An inspiring council youth worker has been awarded an MBE.

Riaz Begum who joined the Youth Service in 1985 said it was a privilege to receive the award for services to young people in the Borough of Blackburn with Darwen.

She said, "It is a wonderful surprise which has brought happiness to myself, colleagues, family and friends. I never dreamt that I would get an MBE.

"I accept it on behalf of all these people who diligently work along side me and our greatest reward is when we see young people truly benefit from our efforts".

Riaz came to England from aged 10 and attended school in Coventry. She gained a BA in Three Dimensional Design at Wolverhampton Polytechnic before going on to study for an Art Teachers Diploma at Liverpool University. She also gained a Diploma of Advanced Studies in Education at St Martins College, Lancaster which was a secondment from the Youth Service.

Riaz added, "I felt confident that I could use my creative skills and my understanding of different cultures and religions to address issues of concern to young people".

"A real highlight over the years was the time a group of youngsters I worked with performed alongside a national theatre group - Tara Arts ."

Kate Clements, Youth Service Manager said: " We are delighted that Riaz and her work has been honoured in this way. She is an inspiration to her many colleagues and friends. Her work with young people in the community has greatly contributed to understanding between our communities."

A tireless community worker Riaz wanted to mention the young people of the borough who she felt had made all this possible.

Cllr Mahfooz Hussain, Executive Member for Education and Lifelong Learning said: "I would like to congratulate Riaz for this prestigious award. She fully deserves it and she is a great inspiration to the people she works with"

Also on the honours list was retired Bolton detective Mohammed Shafiq who was awarded a Queen's Police medal.