A man who lives in Honiton has been awarded an MBE for services to local government in the Queen's New Year Honours List.

Karime Hassan, who is Chief Executive and Growth Director of Exeter City Council and a former director at East Devon District Council, said receiving the award 'feels very special'.

The list read: "Members of the Order of the British Empire: Karime Hassan, Chief Executive and Growth Director, Exeter City Council. For services to local government."

Mr Hassan said: "It is lovely to be recognised in this manner. Local government does an important job for our communities and we touch so many aspects of the lives of our residents. It is therefore quite an honour to be recognised for my contribution to local government.

"I have lived in Honiton for nearly 20 years, I moved to the town when I became a director at East Devon District Council in 2002.

"I am fortunate in working with impressive people from across the private, public and voluntary sectors across the city and county and what we achieve is usually the product of collaboration, I would like to thank them and the people who would have nominated me. I would like to particularly thank the councillors and the brilliant staff at Exeter City Council."

What is the Queen's New Year Honours List?

The Honours Lists are published twice each year, at the New Year and on the Queen's official birthday, and award knighthoods, damehoods, CBEs, OBEs, MBEs, and BEMs.

MBEs are awarded for an outstanding achievement or services to the community that have had a long-term impact and stand out as an example to others.

The Queen's New Years Honours List for 2022 focused on sporting achievements, contributions to the environment, and those giving 'amazing service in the community.' 

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: "These recipients have inspired and entertained us and given so much to their communities in the UK or in many cases around the world.

"The honours are an opportunity for us to thank them, as a country, for their dedication and outstanding contribution."

—————

Got a Honiton story you want to share with us? Email [email protected]

For daily updates on what's happening in Honiton, follow us on Facebook and Twitter. You can also sign up to our free weekly newsletter featuring exclusive articles for subscribers - just type your email into the box below.