Birthday Honours: Birmingham Asian music pioneer appointed MBE

Muhammed Ayyub is regarded as a pioneer of the Asian music industry in the UK

The "founding father" of Britain's Asian music industry has been awarded an MBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours list.

Muhammed Ayyub, who set up Britain's first Asian music label in 1969, said he was "delighted" to be recognised.

He is credited with launching the careers of a number of British Asian artists and promoting foreign acts in the UK.

Deputy leader of Birmingham City Council Paul Tilsley is appointed CBE.

Mr Ayyub, who still runs Oriental Star Agencies in Moseley, Birmingham, said he was "thrilled" to have been made an MBE.

"I am indebted to my colleagues and also the Asian artists I have worked with," he said.

'Mind-blowing'

Col David Hill, chairman of the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association (SSAFA) West Midlands North branch, was also made an MBE.

He joined the charity, which provides support to ex-military personnel and their relatives, in 2001.

Col David Hill said he had been "shocked" to receive the honour

Col Hill, from Wolverhampton, said he thought the letter informing him of his honour "was a bill" when it was posted to him, but added it was "mind-blowing" when he realised what it was.

"You don't do the work we do for reward or recognition but it's nice when people think 'this bloke's done a good job' and honour you for it," he said.

West Midlands Police Assistant Chief Constable Sharon Rowe was awarded the Queen's Police Medal.

Former Inspector Deborah Walker, who set up the force's drugs intervention programme, was made an MBE.