YEP Says: Congratulations to Sir Rod '“ and to Mr Malik OBE

The 71-year-old was knighted at Buckingham Palace yesterday and there will be plenty of fans who hope he ‘wears it well’.

But the honours are much more than simply awards for showbiz types.

There was another less well-known but just as deserving recipient who has done a tremendous amount of good for community relations.

Hanif Malik, founder and chief executive of Hamara Healthy Living Centre in Beeston, received the OBE.

Mr Malik, who was awarded an honorary degree from Leeds Metropolitan University in 2014, started Hamara from humble beginnings in a small office with two part-time staff.

It has now grown to become the largest ethnic minority organisation in the voluntary and community sector in Leeds.

Working primarily with the South Asian community, it now employs over 20 staff in a £1.2m purpose-built centre who deliver a range of health, well-being and educational services.

It is undoubtedly a tremendously good organisation.

While no-one begrudges, Sir Rod his title, Mr Malik OBE has quite a nice ring to it, too. Congratulations, Hanif.