Television and radio presenter Gloria Hunniford was among those to receive recognition for their services in the Queen's honours list today.

She was awarded an OBE for services to cancer charities through Breast Screening Services and Cancer Support in Kent.

In total 29 people leading figures in Kent’s education, health, music, sport and the voluntary sectors were recognised by the Queen for their work.

Mike Fitzgerald got an MBE for services to the homeless and the community in Maidstone.

He has become a well-known face in the town’s community as a member of many organisations, including his local branch of the Royal British Legion and Chart Sutton Parish Council.

He also previously served as the chairman of Maidstone Homeless Care and as mayor of Maidstone.

Speaking about being given this honour, the Chart Sutton resident admitted he was shocked when he got the letter.

"I was totally stunned when I saw the letter, I knew nothing about it at all,” he said.

“Obviously I want to say a massive thanks to the people who nominated me and took the time to consider me.

"I spent a long time with Homeless Care but stepped down some 18 months ago, and I still work with them and do what I can to support them.

"I have always had a passion about supporting people who are less well off, and I do believe you can have vision and you can make change, and it doesn't always have to break the bank."

Border Security expert Simon Watkin has also been recognised in the honours’ list for his efforts to help protect public safety.

He brought in Britain’s first “no fly” scheme to prevent individuals who pose security threats to aircraft and the public from travelling to the UK.

Mr Watkin initially joined the Home Office in 1984 and has been a private secretary to the Home Secretary and over the last 20 years has undertaken various roles advising ministers on national security and counter-terrorism issues, including covert investigation policy.

He has worked on border security since 2011.

Speaking about his award, Mr Watkin said: “I had no idea someone had taken the trouble to nominate me for such an honour which I was delighted to accept.

"I thank them - whoever they are.

"I have been lucky to have lots of really interesting roles in the Home Office.

“Working on border security is a privilege. But every day is about making a contribution to keeping the public safe.

"I hope this honour is recognition that I have made a difference and gone beyond just doing my job.

"But whatever I've done or caused to happen has only been possible with the assistance of some great colleagues within the Home Office, across government and in the private sector too.

“Not forgetting international colleagues overseas.

“I must also say a big thank you to my family for their love and support.

“This is for all the times when I was late home or working away from home."

The Kent honours list in full

CBE

Ian Bauckham, executive head teacher Bennett Memorial Diocesan School, chief executive officer, The Tenax Schools Trust and president, Association of School and College Leaders. For services to Education. (Tunbridge Wells, Kent)

Niall Forbes Ross Dickson. Formerly chief executive General Medical Council. For services to Patient Safety. (Brasted, Kent)

Gerald Hunter Finley. Opera singer. For services to Opera. (Kent)

Ms Gilian Mary McNeil. Director and chief executive Theirworld. For services to the Health and Education of Vulnerable Children and Women. (Canterbury, Kent)

OBE

Ms Tracey Brown. Director Sense about Science. For services to Science. (Faversham, Kent)

John Gordon Cluff. For services to Business and charity. (Dover, Kent)

David John Coldman. For services to Business Young People and charity. (Edenbridge, Kent)

Mrs Laura Madeline Alexandra Faulkner. Director of Live Marketing and E-Commerce, Department for International Trade. For services to UK Exports. (West Malling, Kent)

Miss Mary Winifred Gloria Hunniford. For services to Cancer charities through Breast Screening Services and Cancer Support. (Kent)

Mrs Jacqueline Mary Westwood. Director, UK Genetic Testing Network, London. For services to Medical Genetics and the community in Kent. (West Mailing, Kent)

MBE

Christopher Barmby. For services to Policing and the community. (Tonbridge, Kent)

Dr Paul Bennett. For services to Archaeology. (Canterbury, Kent)

Mrs Pamela Jean Butcher. For services to Table Tennis. (Meopham, Kent)

Ronald Nicholas Cannon. Lifeboatman RNLI Ramsgate. For services to Maritime Safety. (Broadstairs, Kent)

Mrs Teresa Anne Carpenter. Foster Carer, Kent County Council. For services to Children and Families. (Broadstairs, Kent)

Mrs Susan Clark. Chair and Fundraiser, Pegasus Playscheme, Dover. For services to Children with Disabilities. (Dover, Kent)

David Annunzio Michele Falzani. President Sainsbury Management Fellows. For services to Engineering and Enterprise. (Kent)

Eamon Joseph Fanning. Senior Officer Maritime, Aviation and Military Intervention Cell, National Crime Agency. For services to Law Enforcement and charity. (Gravesend, Kent)

Michael Fitzgerald. For services to Homeless People and the community in Maidstone Kent. (Maidstone, Kent)

Ms Claire Louise Harvey. Senior consultant KPMG, GB Paralympian and Chair, Anti Homophobia and Transphobia Steering Group. For services to Diversity, Inclusion and Sport. (Kent)

Michael Eric Lambell, JP. For services to the Magistracy and to St.John Ambulance. (Dartford, Kent)

Ms Pranee Nou. For services to Humanitarian Aid and International Development. (Gravesend, Kent)

Douglas Ian Mowat Simpson. Pharmaceutical Journalist Kent. For services to Pharmaceutical Journalism. (London)

Malcolm Richard Stanton. Acting head Protective Equipment Group, London Fire Brigade. For services to the Safety of Firefighters and the Protection of the Public. (Gillingham, Kent)

Barry Stickings. Formerly Chair Micro and Anophthalmic Children's Society. For services to Children with Visual Impairments. (Broadstairs, Kent)

Simon Christian Iliffe Watkin. Office for Security and Counter-Terrorism Home Office. For services to Border Security. (Maidstone, Kent)

BEM

Henry Stephen Austin. For services to the Boys' Brigade in Tonbridge and North West Kent. (Tonbridge, Kent)

Dean Faulkner. Bandmaster Isle of Sheppey St. John Ambulance Band. For voluntary service to St. John Ambulance. (Sheerness, Kent)

Miss Melanie Hipwood. Security Operations manager Department for International Development. For services to Public Administration. (Sittingbourne, Kent)