MBEs for Capital of Culture duo
The two women who drove the Capital of Culture artistic programme.
In the Queens Birthday Honours Prof Peter Toyne the first chairman of Liverpool Culture Company was awarded a CBE for services to the community in Liverpool.
Claire McColgan and Fiona Gasper, who both receive MBEs, were responsible for drawing together the successful culture year programme after the shock departure of artistic director Robyn Archer.
Ms McColgan said: "Im absolutely made up. We shaped and facilitated Capital of Culture but it was a big joint effort, not just us but the whole of the 08 team. I'm pleased for Liverpool that its actually got recognition for Capital of Culture."
There was an MBE for restaurateur Paul Heathcote who owns Liverpool eateries Heathcotes and the Olive Press.
Two of the regions high-profile medical heads also receive honours.
Prof Mark Bellis, the director of John Moores Universitys Centre for Public Health, was made an OBE.
He said: Im delighted as you would expect, and its a real privilege.
Its recognition of how important the work is that the centre does in difficult areas like drugs and alcohol and violence research.
And Prof Ray Donnelly, who founded the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation, was handed an MBE for voluntary service to healthcare.
Im honoured to be recognised in this way. I am grateful to all our magnificent staff and volunteers who have collaborated with me and worked so hard for the last 20 years to achieve so much.
