Paul Blakey, George Richardson and Colin Hartley have all been awarded MBEs for their work in the community and education.

Mr Blakey, founder of the faith-based Street Angels, said he was thrilled to pick up the gong for services to community safety in his home town of Halifax.

"It's a great privilege," the 35-year-old said.

The project, launched in Halifax four years ago, sees a team of Christian volunteers take to the streets on Friday and Saturday nights to help revellers get home safely.

It has helped to halve violent crime at weekends and has since been rolled out in 40 other towns and won praise from Gordon Brown.

Mr Blakey said: "It's a very simple idea that has taken off and made a difference. It's fantastic and very humbling to be awarded an MBE for it."

Colin Hartley was overwhelmed to receive his award for services to the community and it marked a rare double as his late father, Jack, received the honour in 1945 for war service.

Mr Hartley, 66, of Southowram, has been involved with local schools for nearly 40 years, joining the PTA at Withinfields Primary School, Southowram, in 1971 and later serving as chairman of governors.

He was a member of the steering group that oversaw the amalgamation of Princess Mary and Highlands School to North Halifax Grammar School. He is currently vice-chairman of the governors and has served as chairman.

Mr Hartley is also involved at St Anne's-in-the-Grove Church, Southowram, and served on Halifax Gala committee for 20 years.

He retired in 2005 from Carlton Bolling College, Bradford, where he was bursar.

"I'm absolutely overwhelmed. It was completely unexpected and particularly emotional for me," he said.

George Richardson, 71, headed the governing body of Calderdale College for nine years, overseeing improved success rates and Ofsted grades, as well as the opening of the skills centre and construction skills academy.

The former Labour councillor, of Rastrick, was deputy chairman of education with Calder-dale Council when he joined the college's governing body in 1997.

His MBE also recognises his work as chairman of the Association of Colleges in Yorkshire and the Humber.