Ex-Coventry council leader Kenneth Taylor appointed OBE

The former leader of Coventry City Council has been appointed OBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours list.

Conservative councillor Kenneth Taylor, 69, from Earlsdon, said he was "delighted" to be honoured for services to local government.

Becoming Lord Mayor of Coventry in 2003 was a "real privilege", he said. He led the council from 2004 until Labour won control in May's election.

"I'm rather excited about it all - even at my age," he said.

"I've been very lucky and Coventry is a city I'm very fond of and it's been great.

"I'm absolutely delighted and excited to have been recognised - it never crossed my mind."

Others appointed OBE include Zahara Hyde Peters, chief executive officer of the British Triathlon Federation, for services to athletics, and Jacqueline Ann Robinson, president of England Squash, for services to sport.

Those appointed MBE in Coventry include Sally Arkley, director of Women's Business Development Agency, for services to women's enterprise and Bernard Delaney, director of National Express Coventry, for services to public transport.