A Bradford nurse who dedicated the whole of her working life to the NHS has received an OBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours List announced today.

Rose Stephens retired from Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust at the end of March, having spent more than a decade in the dual roles of chief nurse and deputy chief executive, with responsibility for more than 2,000 nurses and midwives and a patient care budget of more than £200m.

She also served as acting chief executive of the organisation, which runs Bradford Royal Infirmary and St Luke's Hospital, in 2005 while maintaining these positions and her role as a magistrate in Leeds.

Rose, 57, of Shadwell, Leeds, enjoyed a near 40-year career in the NHS, spent at Leeds and Bradford hospitals. Her honour is for services to healthcare.

She said: "To be honoured in this way, particularly in the NHS's 60th anniversary year, fills me with great pride and is something I would like to share with those colleagues I have been privileged to work with.

"Since day one of my registered general nurse training course, the past 40 years have been a truly enriching experience. They handed me the opportunity to meet some extraordinary people, both patients I have cared for and colleagues I have worked with."

From caring for transplant and cancer patients at St James's Hospital in Leeds, to guiding Bradford's hospitals into one of the best performing NHS Trusts, her career has been spent at the forefront of patient care.

Chairman of Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, David Richardson, said: "Everyone connected with the NHS in Bradford is thrilled by today's news. Hundreds of nurses and midwives past, present and future owe the successful development of their careers to Rose."

The Trust's chief executive, Miles Scott, said: "The countless number of thankyou' cards that always adorned her office is testimony to the high regard in which she is held by patients and colleagues. She played an instrumental role in the development of Bradford's hospitals, particularly in driving down waiting lists and waiting times, and we are delighted that her efforts have been recognised in this way."

Other local people honoured included Chris Gregg, who is awarded The Queen's Police Medal. Last month he retired as Detective Chief Superintendent of West Yorkshire Police after more than 30 years' service.

As head of the Force's Homicide and Major Enquiry Team, it saw him lead successful investigations into some of the biggest crimes in recent Bradford history. Chief Constable Sir Norman Bettison said: "I presented Chris with a piece of crystal inscribed with the words One of the finest Detective Chief Superintendents West Yorkshire has known'. I don't use that phrase lightly as Chris stands alongside some of the great investigators that West Yorkshire Police has had."

Myra Jennings was appointed as a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for her voluntary service to the community in Bradford.

Mrs Jennings is the chairman of The Blenheim Project, Bradford and West Yorkshire Methodist Housing Ltd, which provides temporary accommodation and housing support for homeless women and children.

Mrs Jennings has been involved with the project since it started in 1978. She said: "I am completely overwhelmed. I don't feel it is just for me but it's for all the other people who over the last 30 years have contributed to the success of the project."

Another of those listed in the Birthday Honours was Shaukat Ahmed, also known as Mr Manningham. He becomes an MBE for his community work.

Over the last 34 years he has endeavoured to improve housing conditions, economic prosperity, youth involvement and educational development of inner-city communities.

He is the current chairman of Action for Business (Bradford) Ltd, which runs the Carlisle Business Centre, but has chaired organisations such as the Bangladesh Youth Organisation and Manningham Housing Association.

He said: "I am delighted and humbled. I think there are other deserving people, but it is good to get noticed.

"It's also for all the people who have worked with and supported me it is a good story for Manningham."

Jean Bland becomes an MBE for voluntary service to the community in Tyersal. As a chairman of Tyersal Action Group, Miss Bland has worked with Bradford Council on clean-up campaigns and supported local residents' in a variety of ways. In 2007 she was awarded Bradford Council's Community Harmony Award for her work.

John Wainwright, of Brighouse, becomes an MBE for his work as regional winter service officer for the Highways Agency in Yorkshire and Humber.

Kathleen Wainwright, of Ilkley, is awarded an MBE for her voluntary service to the Civil Service Benevolent Fund.

And Lindsey Wharmby, of Ilkley, received an OBE for services to education.