SIR – Every year up to 1,300 individuals are recognised through the honours system and there have been some fantastic honours awarded in the Yorkshire and Humber region this year.

However, the latest statistics show that as a proportion of the total numbers just 4.8 per cent of honours went to people in the Yorkshire and Humber region in 2014.

I would like to make a personal plea for members of the public to nominate their friends, colleagues, relatives or sports and community leaders for an honour.

Anyone can nominate someone for an award and anyone can receive an award, if they reach the required standard of merit or service.

Some people may think honours are largely reserved for certain professions or backgrounds, but they really are for everyone who has done a great job for their community.

Recipients have included people who have spent years fostering children, helping people to take part in sports or doing valuable work in the voluntary sector.

We encourage nominations from all sections of society from all over the country and we’d particularly like to see more people from the Yorkshire and Humber region and from BME backgrounds receiving recognition for their achievements.

Information on how to nominate can be found at www.gov.uk/honours.

Sir Bob Kerslake, Head of the Civil Service