Leeds Imam Qari Asim honoured by Queen

Mr Asim has campaigned against forced marriages and domestic violence

A mosque leader who has worked "tirelessly" to build bridges between communities in Leeds since the 7 July terror attacks has been appointed MBE.

Qari Asim is recognised in the Birthday Honours list for services to inter-faith relations and the community.

The 34-year-old solicitor, who is Imam of the Makkah Masjid mosque, said he felt "incredibly humbled".

He held an open day at his Hyde Park mosque after the London bombings to try to enhance community relations.

Mr Asim said: "I am deeply indebted to my family and friends and the attendees of Leeds Makkah Masjid, all of whom have played an important part in enabling me to serve the Leeds communities.

"I dedicate this award to my late father, who has been an inspiration throughout my life."

'Taboo issues'

A spokesman for the mosque said Mr Asim had worked "tirelessly" to enhance community relations, "strived to inspire young British Muslims" and campaigned against issues such as domestic violence, forced marriages, anti-social behaviour and child abuse in faith institutions.

Joan Rycroft has helped raise money to support Yorkshire's Olympic hopefuls

Haji Arif, from the mosque, said: "Imam Qari Asim's award is a cause of celebration for us all because it signifies and recognises the ground-breaking work that he has been doing to enhance communal relations, engage with disenfranchised young people and lead the way in tackling some the of taboo issues in the British Muslim community."

A Leeds woman who has helped raise money to support athletes including Olympic hopefuls Jessica Ennis and Jack Laugher has also been honoured by the Queen.

Joan Rycroft, 82, said she was "excited" to be appointed MBE for services to sport.

She has worked with the SportsAid Yorkshire and Humberside charity, which financially supports young athletes, for 34 years.

Fire officer medal

Miss Rycroft said she was looking forward to raising more money for the next generation of Olympic hopefuls and had no plans to stop volunteering.

She said: "I can't be without people, I have got to have people round me and I can't imagine just not being with people and doing something to help."

Other people from West Yorkshire who have become an MBE include Patricia Connell, a healthcare assistant at Bradford Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust; Alison Drake, chairman of the Castleford Heritage Trust and Nigel Fitzpatrick, chairman of governors at Phoenix Special School in Bradford.

Stephen Beckley, the county's deputy chief fire officer, has been awarded the Queen's Fire Service Medal, while Jonathan Phillips, the former director of adult social services at Calderdale Council, has been appointed OBE for services to social care.

Gillian Nobbs, a coach at Wetherby Gymnastics Club, has received the British Empire Medal.