Magnificent seven earn King's Birthday Honours

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On average about three local people are honoured in each list in recent years.

But today there are seven households celebrating.

One of them is Government House, with Lt-Governor Lt General Richard Cripwell being knighted, while his secretary Major Marco Ciotti is made a Lieutenant of the Royal Victorian Order.

There were also two couples who have now been united in honours.

Priaulx Premature Baby Foundation founder Jo Priaulx was awarded an MBE, joining her husband Andy, who received an MBE in 2008 for services to motorsport and charity.

Upon receiving the news of her award three weeks ago, Mrs Priaulx admitted she was 'really shocked', but 'so pleased' and 'super proud'.

'I'm not 100% sure, but I think we could be the only husband and wife in the island who both have MBEs,' she said.

Doug Perkins has been made a CBE for services to business and trade. His wife and fellow Specsavers co-founder Mary was made a Dame in 2007 for her services to business and the community.

Mr Perkins has been chairman of Specsavers for almost 20 years after his son John took on the position of CEO in 2007.

'I'm very honoured to receive this business award. Specsavers has made a huge difference in pioneering vision and changing lives,' he said.

Alderney jurat Neil Hunter was made an MBE for services to Alderney, while former Chest & Heart chairman Dr Stephen Brennand Roper was awarded the British Empire Medal for services to healthcare.

Former chief fire officer Jon Le Page, who retired earlier this year, was awarded the King's Fire Service Medal - an award recognising gallantry or distinguished service by fire service members.

Guernsey Bailiff Sir Richard McMahon congratulated the honourees.

'The number of locally based recipients can properly be described as a 'bumper crop', recognising the impact each has made for the benefit of the communities of the Bailiwick,' he said.

'It is wonderful that His Majesty has recognised each and every one of them, with such recognition paying tribute to what they have achieved in their respective fields. I congratulate them all.'

According to a list on the Government House website, there have been a few occasions where six local people have been honoured on the same list over the last 80 years, but the only time more were named on the same list was the 1946 New Year's Honours List, when 12 people were named. That included the knighting of Guernsey's Occupation-era controlling committee president Sir John Leale and wartime Bailiff Sir Victor Carey.

Six of this summer's seven honourees will be attending a garden party at Government House today.