BRADFORD cricket legend Adil Rashid has spoken of his pride after he was awarded an MBE by King Charles.
The two-time World Cup winner joins charity founder Tim Morfin, Windrush activist Nigel Guy, education leader Andrew Laver, rugby coach Anthony Brooke, scout leader Alan Naylor and care home manager Tracey Tatum, in representing the district on this year's King's Birthday Honours list.
Mr Rashid has been playing for England since 2009 and is his country's highest wicket-taker among spin bowlers in both ODIs and T20Is.
The Heaton bowler became one of a selected few to capture top honours in both formats of the game when his side beat Pakistan in Australia last November.
Speaking to the Telegraph & Argus, Mr Rashid, 35, thanked his family for their support over his 17-year career.
He said: "It is a proud moment to be recognised for what I have done for cricket. I was not expecting it.
"Winning the T20 World Cup (last year) was a great feeling, it is what you play the game for. To win the T20 and the 50-over (in 2019) back to back is very special.
"It shows you can achieve anything if you put your mind to it regardless of where you come from.
"It is a big moment for the family because they have been through everything with me from the age of seven.
"Nearly every day I ring my brother or dad asking for advice. The wife and kids have played a huge part too."
Mr Rashid is showing no signs of slowing down either, on and off the cricket pitch.
"The aim is to play for England for as long as possible," he said.
"I have not thought about retiring yet. I still have a lot of years left me."
Mr Rashid added: "One of the biggest things for me is giving back to the community. I know how hard it was to make it to the top.
"I want to bring the next generation of cricketers for Yorkshire and England through my (Bradford-based) centre.
"It is not just about cricket either, it is about teaching them life skills."
Shipley's Mr Morfin, founder and chief executive of Transforming Lives for Good (TLG), has been awarded an OBE.
He started a youth club with volunteers from his church in inner-city Bradford 24 years ago and from there, a ground-breaking partnership between a local school and church-based volunteers began.
In 1999, Mr Morfin formed TLG, now a national, award-winning charity supporting struggling children across the UK.
He said: "I am delighted to receive this honour.
"I accept it very much in recognition of the difference we as a team of staff and volunteers are making together, and on behalf of the courageous children, young people and families whose lives are being transformed."
Nigel Guy has been awarded an MBE for his services to the Windrush Generation.
The 57-year-old set up Bradford-based Windrush Generation UK, a group offering support and advice to victims of the scandal.
Mr Guy has worked to embed the significance of the contribution made by the Windrush Generation in the minds of the UK public.
He designed a flag in recognition of their journey, which has been raised at Home Office headquarters.
"It is surreal to be given such an honour," Mr Guy told the T&A.
"I have always had the sense to help people. When we give, we receive more.
"I never thought I would be in the reckoning but obviously people have acknowledged what I have tried to do.
"Many other volunteers in the community have also been working hard to inspire and raise the standard for Windrush.
"That hard work still continues. The flag is not just raised in Bradford but across the country now."
Originally from South Yorkshire, Andrew Laver has been given his MBE for his work in education in the district.
His unique contribution was through his vision and leadership of the Industrial Centres of Excellence (ICE) - a sector-based education and business partnership.
The programme has been vital in raising career aspirations at an early stage both for young children and for their families in 110 primary schools.
Mr Laver said: "I was shocked and delighted for the programme to be recognised. My 88-year-old mother will be chuffed to bits.
"It is a team effort and nothing is down for one person. It is recognition for all the hours we put in as a team.
"I must thank the headteachers of the schools involved, the university, and businesses who have given up their time over the last decade."
Tracey Tatum, 47, manager at Mill View Care Home in Bradford, has been given a BEM for services to people with dementia.
Since becoming manager, the care home has gone from a CQC rating of 'inadequate' to 'outstanding'.
Another Bradford recipient of a BEM is Anthony Brooke for services to people with disabilities.
He is the founder of the Bumble Bee Barbarians Mixed Ability Contact Rugby Union Team.
Alan Naylor, Group Scout Leader at 10th North Leeds (Grammar School At Leeds) Scout Group, from Ilkley, has also been given a BEM for services to young people.
Deputy Prime Minister, Rt Hon. Oliver Dowden MP, said: “This year’s honours list is a testament to ordinary people who have demonstrated extraordinary community spirit.
"I pay tribute to all those from Yorkshire and Humberside who have been recognised today."
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