STAGECOACH GROUP chief executive Brian Souter is one of several railway industry figures who have been awarded Queen's Birthday Honours.

He is to become Sir Brian, in recognition of his services to transport and the voluntary sector.

He said: “Having started my career in public transport as a young bus conductor, I am delighted to receive this prestigious honour. However, the achievements and innovations would not have been possible without the dynamic Stagecoach team who support me and I accept this award on their behalf.

“It was particularly gratifying for me to see the work of the Souter Charitable Trust being acknowledged, which is a fitting tribute to my wife, Betty, and her team who never seek publicity but do amazing work.”

Also knighted is David Higgins, who is now chief executive of Network Rail but is being honoured for services to regeneration when he was in charge at the Olympic Delivery Authority.

Another new knight is MP Alan Meale, who has been honoured for public and political services. He is MP for Mansfield, but between 1979 and 1984 he held the post of assistant to Ray Buckton, the general secretary of ASLEF.

Other railway people have received MBEs. They are David Newell, the schools safety adviser at Chiltern Railways; Nigel Searle, train service development manager at Southern; James Summers, who is lead tutor at the Institution of Railway Operators, and Michael Wallace for his voluntary service at the National Railway Museum in York.