MERSEYSIDE was once again well represented in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list – with names ranging from unsung community heroes to public figures.

Among the latter were veteran Liverpool councillor Richard Kemp, fire chief Tony McGuirk and Merseyside deputy chief constable Bernard Lawson.

The arts were also recognised, with awards made to outgoing Liverpool Biennial chief Lewis Biggs and internationally acclaimed artists The Singh Twins.

Cllr Kemp, who received a CBE for public service, has been a city councillor for 28 years and was recently elected deputy leader of the Liberal Democrat group.

He has a national profile as vice-chairman of the Local Government Association.

He said: “When I heard I was to receive the honour, it was much to my surprise. I thought I had roughed up every minister over the past six years!”

Merseyside’s chief fire officer Tony McGuirk was also made a CBE for his contribution to the region and the fire and rescue service.

Mr McGuirk, who has two grown-up children, has been in the service for 35 years and is its longest-serving chief fire officer, appointed in 2002.

He said: “Over the last decade, we made sweeping changes which made people safer and healthier and communities stronger.”

Bernard Lawson, deputy chief constable of Merseyside police, is awarded the Queen’s Police Medal.

Chief constable Jon Murphy said: “Over the past 27 years, Bernard has been involved in almost every aspect of force business.”

Lewis Biggs, who is made an OBE for services to the arts, was founding director of the Liverpool Biennial contemporary art festival.

He said: “Liverpool has the best visual arts offer of any city in the UK after London.”