On June 8 the Queen’s Birthday Honours List was published.

In total, 71% of the awards distributed went to people in local communities recognised for their outstanding contributions to their own district.

Our town was no exception.

Watford-born professional boxer and current heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua received an OBE for his services to sport.

The former Kings Langley student, who grew up on the Meriden estate went on to become one the most successful sportsmen of a generation.

There were many other notable figures commemorated in the town, from speech therapists, to composers and charity workers.

The Honours List has become a treasured national tradition where the people who go that extra mile to make our towns and communities that little bit brighter are publicly, and rightly celebrated.

These individuals are busily improving the lot of educational sectors, health, the arts and industry and the economy.

Such people include Carol Chorley from Sarratt who for more than thirty years has dedicated herself to supporting the British Legion, and Sarratt Care which provides coffee morning and transport for the elderly in her community. She received an MBE.

It is all too easy to take for granted the vital role these people play. But the Honours List serves to remind us how we can all work towards a better Watford.