A FIRE chief is among hundreds of people named in the Queen’s Birthday Honours today.

Stephen Beckley, director of operations for West Yorkshire Fire Service, has received the Queen’s Fire Service Medal.

West Yorkshire’s chief fire officer Simon Pilling congratulated his colleague on the award.

He said: “This is a well-deserved honour for a highly respected colleague who has served with great distinction.

“Steve is a remarkably dedicated officer who believes in leading by example and I am extremely fortunate to have him in my leadership team.”

Former Calderdale Council officer Jonathan Phillips has also been honoured today, receiving an OBE.

The council’s interim chief executive Gordon Mitchell congratulated him.

“This is fantastic news,” he said.

“Jonathan was Calderdale Council’s director of adults, health and social care from January 2007 to August 2011.

“He was a valuable member of our senior management team and helped the council make real progress in supporting Calderdale’s most vulnerable adults to enjoy the best quality of life.”

Several famous names have also been honoured today.

Take That singer Gary Barlow, who composed a special song for this year’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations, has received an OBE for services to the entertainment industry and to charity.

Actor and director Kenneth Branagh has been knighted for services to drama and the community in Northern Ireland. Oscar-winning actress Kate Winslet has been given a CBE for services to drama.

Sarah Burton, who designed the Duchess of Cambridge’s wedding dress, received an OBE for services to the fashion industry.

Knighthoods have also gone to former Countdown stalwart Richard Stilgoe and Carphone Warehouse founder and chairman Charles Dunstone. Both have been recognised for generous donations to good causes.

Several sportsmen have also been honoured.

Golf world number one Luke Donald has received an MBE, as has former England goalkeeper David James.

Former Chelsea defender Paul Elliot has been given a CBE in recognition of his anti-racism work.

This year’s honours also saw the revival of the British Empire Medal (BEM), the so-called “working-class gong” which was abolished by John Major 20 years ago.

This year’s recipients include retired middleweight boxer Terry Downes and beekeeper Geoffrey Hopkinson.