ISLANDERS who work quietly and diligently on behalf of others, often behind the scenes as unsung heroes and heroines, frequently feature in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list.

This year has been no exception, and two women who have devoted much time and effort to helping children and disabled people have been made Members of the Order of the British Empire in recognition of years of service to the community.

Denise Carroll, a founding member of Milli’s Child Contact Centre, and Ursula Dingle, who helped set up the Jersey Association for Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus, deserve the heartiest congratulations not only because of their honours but also to acknowledge the many hours of devoted labour on which those honours are founded.

Characteristically, both Mrs Carroll and Mrs Dingle expressed great surprise that they had received recognition in such a prestigious list. Also characteristically, both emphasised that their awards can be regarded as honours for the organisations with which they are involved and all those who have worked alongside them.

If the Island’s two new MBEs are relatively low-profile citizens, a third person with close links to Jersey who has been made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire, John Nettles, is most certainly in the public eye. However, although he might be best known here for playing Sgt Jim Bergerac and, latterly, starring as another TV detective, Tom Barnaby in Midsommer Murders, he is widely respected as an accomplished classical actor who has excelled in a range of Shakespearean roles.

His many fans will be delighted that he has been honoured, and Islanders will be especially pleased because, over the years since he made his debut as the Jersey detective in a series which did so much to boost our economy, he has demonstrated considerable affection for this community and for the many friends that he has made here.

There was, meanwhile, a further Jersey honour. Bob Murray, the former owner of Sunderland AFC, who now lives in St Brelade, received a knighthood for his community work in the UK.

Again with commendable modesty, Sir Bob has said that besides being overwhelmed to have been honoured, he sees his award as a tribute to the many people, including family, friends and business colleagues, who have supported him and helped him achieve his goals in life.