Brown, who retired as the groups non-executive chairman in the summer, became a Commander of the Order of the British Empire, in recognition of his services to the regional newspaper industry.

Graphic designer Jeffrey Matthews, responsible for the design of many of the first-day cover stamps, becomes a Member of the British Empire (MBE).

Freelance cartographer and corporate liaison officer of the British Cartographic Society Mary Spence was awarded an MBE for her services to cartographic design.

Spence specialises in the production of maps for inland waterways and global mapping, and has published many award wining maps.

Pindar-sponsored round-the-world yachtswoman Emma Richards was also awarded an MBE for her endeavours over the past year.

Story by Andy Scott