THE great and the good of Worcestershire were waking up to news of that they have been included in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list today.

Topping the list with a knighthood was a former teacher who founded a successful boarding school for international students in Tenbury Wells, as well as British curriculum schools in Spain and Panama.

Roger Fry, aged 69, receives the Knights Bachelor for his services to UK education internationally and cultural relations between the UK and Spain.

Mr Fry said he was “absolutely bowled over” to learn of his knighthood.

Richard Soper, chief executive at Bosch Thermotechnology Ltd (better known as Worcester Bosch) is made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for services to the heating and renewable technologies industries.

He said: “This is a very proud day for my family and for myself, but it is also recognition of the contribution that many individuals and employees at Worcester, Bosch Group have made to the heating and renewable industries over many decades.”

Polly Gowers, the woman who founded Evesham-based Everyclick, which builds fund-raising technology for charity and has raised more than £2 million, also gets a CBE, for services to philanthropy.

Receving an OBE for services to music was Andrew Jowett, the chief executive of Town Hall and Symphony Hall, Birmingham, from Drakes Broughton, near Pershore.

Mr Jowett, aged 61, said: “It’s an extraordinary privilege to run the best concert hall in the world.”

Watch Commander Ade Taylor, who leads white watch at Redditch Fire Station, is made an MBE for his work with Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service and running the Droitwich Young Firefighters’ Association. Mr Taylor said: “I’ve enjoyed it but am amazed I was put forward for this honour.”

Long time Girl Guider Elizabeth Bolland of Badsey, near Evesham, is made an MBE for her services to young people.

She said: “At the age of seven I started so Girl Guides is a very important part of my life. I look at it as a reward for whole hearteness, passion and commitment. Working with young people is so important because I want them to live a more youthful life, a better life and have more fun I am absolutely delighted to be made an MBE.”

Paul Walker, the managing director of technology firm Malvern Instruments, is appointed MBE for services to international trade and local business.

Mr Walker said: “The award is really a reflection of the efforts and the quality of everyone who has worked for the company over the years to make it the success it is.”

Also in Malvern, George Chesterton, 89, is appointed an MBE for services to the community. Mr Chesterton served in the RAF during the Second World War, flying Stirling bombers, and taught at Malvern College from 1959 to 1982, when he retired after serving as acting headmaster. He played for Worcestershire County Cricket Club for seven years, and later became its president.

He said: “I’m absolutely thrilled. I’ve lived nearly all my life in Malvern, I’m very fond of it, and I wanted to do what I could to ensure it remains such a nice place.”

Salford Priors man Alan Slater, chairman of the National Association of Funeral Directors, is made an MBE for services to funeral services. He said: “I’m absolutely thrilled. But it’s not just for me, it’s for the team of about 60 people who support me, giving up their time voluntarily for the greater good of the funeral industry and the bereaved families it serves.”

Kempsey grandmother-of-four Joy Clee said she was “humbled” after becoming one of the first recipients of the newly reinstated British Empire Medal.

Mrs Clee, of Brookend Lane, is rewarded for her services to the community after serving on the parish council for 35 years.

Mrs Clee, who has lived in the village all her life, said: “I believe so much in democracy and the fact that each person does count – each one has a voice and can be heard. I was just concerned that the village was a happy place and it had the services it needed.”

A former member of the Royal Society of Chemistry, Leslie Whitfield, from Kidderminster, also received a British Empire Medal for his services to chemistry and the community.

Other people in the list: Edith Beaver, manager of Mercia district at Jobcentre Plus, who is an OBE.

Virginia Scott, secretary of Hewell Grange Conservation and Advisory Group, for services to conservation and to heritage in Worcestershire.

David Randall Stevens, for services to the community in Hereford; Lorna White, for services to the community in Redditch, who were all made MBE in the list.

The following people were each awarded a British Empire Medal: Patricia Downes, for services to the community in Burghill and Tillington, Herefordshire.

Sandra Gladwyn, for services to the community in Marden, Herefordshire.

Richard Wilson Hall, for services to the community in Leominster.

Herbert Harris, honorary president, 1st Redditch Boys’ Brigade, for services to Young People.

Michael Pullin, for voluntary service to St Michael’s Hospice