A long-serving head teacher, an 83-year-old youth club leader and a retired police inspector who continues to pound the beat as a Police Community Support Officer, are among the district’s community heroes today recognised in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list.

Naila Zaffar, head teacher of Copthorne Primary and executive head teacher at Lapage Primary School, Bradford, was made a Dame in the honours.

Copthorne Primary, where 97 per cent of pupils do not speak English as a first language, has received “outstanding” ratings by Ofsted.

She said: “It feels wonderful. I have been in education in Bradford for the last 28 years, most recently for the last 20 years as a head.

“I also do Ofsted inspections and support, through Education Bradford, a lot of schools who have been in difficulties.

“My mum encouraged me to get into teaching. It’s the best, most rewarding career you could have, and my mum is so proud.

“I wouldn’t change it for anything, the pupils are an inspiration.”

Eric Milburn, 83, of Duckworth Terrace, Heaton, received a MBE for voluntary service to the Methodist Association of Youth Clubs.

He has been volunteering with young people since 1951, and for the last 13 years has been preparing creative materials for holiday clubs to bring together youngsters from different ethnic backgrounds.

Frizinghall PCSO Sam Sagar, who retired as a police inspector in 2002, has been awarded an MBE.

He said: “I didn’t expect it and it has very much come out of the blue. I feel really privileged and it is as much for my family as myself as they have had to put up with the long hours over the years.”

Another community champion, David Williams, who has lived in Calverley for 45 years serving the neighbourhood, has been awarded the MBE.

Through involvement with the parish church of St Wilfrid’s he first became a governor at the C of E primary school where he still helps out youngsters with reading and confidence-boosting sessions.

He also raises funds for the Leonard Cheshire home for disabled adults and has had a leading role in improving disabled access to The Mechanics’ Hall venue in the village and a walkway through the woods.

He said: “I’m absolutely lost for words about the award. I look round and see so many other people who are more deserving than me. I’m truly honoured.”

Inspirational Pam Clarke, of Ben Rhydding, has been awarded an MBE for her service to the community. The 82-year-old who has lived in the village all her life and still works at a supermarket said she was relieved she can finally celebrate her news in public.

“It’s been really difficult keeping quiet but there are a lot of other people who deserve this award too,” she said.

She is a leading light on the local guiding circuit – only last week she was camping with 400 guides at Broughton near Skipton and had a go on the aerial runway.

Mrs Clarke was also involved in setting up Ilkley’s first playgroup in Queen’s Road.

And Val Smith, 53, of Wilsden, has been recognised with an MBE for her work within her community.

Mrs Smith, who runs an after-school club for local children, and a luncheon club for Wilsden’s older residents, said: “It’s very special, I didn’t think people like me would get things like this.

“My parents brought me up the right way to try and help people as best I can.”

The senior officer in charge of the inquiry into the murder of Bradford PC Sharon Beshenivsky has been awarded the Queen’s Police Medal.

West Yorkshire’s Deputy Chief Constable David Crompton joined West Yorkshire Police as Assistant Chief Constable in 2004, having started his police career in Manchester in 1985.

He said: “I’d no idea I’d been nominated, it is a really big surprise – and delight.

“You don’t do this job for the honours, but after the years of missed events at home it is really special to have something like this to share and celebrate with your family.”

The Reverend Canon Sue Pinnington, has been recognised with an MBE for her services to the community in Cottingley. She was the driving force behind the Cornerstone project during her time as the Vicar of Cottingley. She is now a Rector in County Durham.

Janet Martin, of Shipley, has been awarded a MBE for services to the Examinations Officers’ Association. She has was a teacher for 20 years and is an examinations officer at Tong High School.

Three business figures with strong local connections have also received honours.

Terry Hodgkinson, outgoing chairman of Yorkshire Forward, the regional development agency, has received a CBE.

Skipton-born Mr Hodgkinson, has received the award for services to business and regeneration. He has been at the helm of Yorkshire Forward since 2003.

Mark Andrews, who stood down in October last year as chief executive of Ilkley-based building services group N G Bailey, has been awarded an OBE for services to apprenticeships and training.

NG Bailey has been taking on apprentices since 1934 and operates its Bailey Engineering Academy to provide a bespoke apprenticeship programme. Mr Andrews served as an apprenticeships ambassador for the Learning and Skills Council.

Among the new knights is former Sunderland soccer club chairman and tycoon Bob Murray, who spent the early part of his business career in Bradford. He was co-founder of the former Bradford kitchen and bathroom firm Spring Ram.

Margaret Flint, of Bingley, senior administration officer at West Yorkshire’s Probation Board, has been awarded an MBE for services to offenders.

Foster carers Pamela and Robert Noden, of Brighouse, have both been awarded the MBE for their services to children and families.

Reprographics worker Jennifer Thorpe, of Heckmondwike, has been awarded an MBE for services to the Fire and Rescue Service.

Margaret Wright, team leader at Debt Management and Banking, Shipley HM Revenue and Customs, has been given an MBE.

School caretaker Bridget Redmond, 82, of Pudsey, has been awarded an MBE for voluntary services to education.