AN incredible eight people across East Lancashire and Chorley are waking up this morning having been honoured by The Queen.

Some of the area's business leaders, political movers and shakers and community campaigners figure in Her Majesty's birthday honours.

For Khalid Saifullah, managing director of Blackburn-based Star Tissue, his MBE, for his community work, rounds off a remarkable 12 months.

Earlier this year it was confirmed that the 44-year-old former Hive chairman was being made a Deputy Lieutenant of Lancashire, assisting Lord Shuttleworth, The Queen's representative in the red rose county.

He said: "I've not told anyone about this - it's been a complete secret. It came as quite a shock really. It's really nice to get the recognition. You don't do these kinds of things for that but you feel privileged when you receive the letter saying you have been nominated."

The Blackburn father-of-three is also a director of the Lancashire Enterprise Partnership and on the board of the Minority Enterprise Development Trust.

Two Hyndburn political stalwarts also have a date with royalty, with MBEs coming their way.

Cllr Miles Parkinson, leader of Hyndburn Council, said he was "deeply honoured".

He added: "It was something I would never have expected and when you consider the announcement, this week, for all of the voluntary groups in Hyndburn, which have been recognised for their dedication, it is something which means so much."

Working as a firefighter for 24 years - and now having racked up the same tally as a councillor - he paid tribute to his fire service and council chamber colleagues.

He has also been a long-standing governor at Mount Pleasant Primary and has been on the county council since 2003, as well as serving as vice-chairman of the county's fire authority.

Cllr Munsif Dad, a Hyndburn borough and county councillor, has dedicated his honour to his wife Arshad Begum, who died earlier this year.

He told the Telegraph: "I'm absolutely delighted to have received this recognition but this is down to the hard work and support of my family. My wife passed away recently and she was my rock, so when I heard about this I thought of her."

First elected to the borough council in 2006, for Springhill and Fern Gore ward, he has also been a county councillor for Accrington West since 2013.

Water safety campaigner Beckie Ramsay, who will receive the British Empire Medal for her tireless efforts in memory of her late son Dylan, has also been feted by royalty recently.

Two years ago she met up with Princess Eugenie, as part of her work with Doing It For Dylan, and last month Prince William asked to speak with her at a water safety gathering on the River Thames.

Beckie, 39, from Whittle-le-Woods, said: "It has just been absolutely surreal, just knowing the Duke of Cambridge and The Queen are aware of what we have been achieving through Doing It For Dylan. I'd obviously rather have my son back and not be living through this but it's an amazing achievement, not only for myself but everyone involved with water safety."

She also dedicated her medal to husband John, sons Stephen and Josh, and daughter Annie, for their support, as she tours schools and community groups to reduce the risk of more river or reservoir casualties.

Andrew Turner, chairman of the Chorley Group, which has motor dealerships in Chorley and Burnley, has been singled out for an MBE for his work as an employer and his charity roles. Under his chairmanship, the 'Inspire' Chorley Youth Zone has secured investment totalling £2.5million. He has also been heavily involved with Mencap locally and his firm sponsors Chorley FC.

He said: “I am truly humbled to receive this honour — it really should be shared with all the people who have worked alongside me over the years at both Chorley Group and the Inspire Youth Zone. Their passion and hard work are the things that drive me on. I am particularly delighted this honour will put the spotlight on the need for a centre like Inspire which does so much to support young people."

Elsewhere the former chief executive of the Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, Beverley Pollard, who lives in Foulridge, has been honoured. And Ian Weatherill, managing director of Barnoldswick cycling firm Hope Technology, has been lauded for his services to business and innovation. Clitheroe's Karen MacAulay has also been recognised for her voluntary service with Lancashire Constabulary.