It’s Kevin Sinfield, MBE: Leeds hero celebrates

The most successful captain in Leeds Rhinos’ history has spoken of his pride after being made an MBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours.
Kevin Sinfield has been awarded an MBEKevin Sinfield has been awarded an MBE
Kevin Sinfield has been awarded an MBE

Kevin Sinfield, who also captain’s the England rugby league side, led the Rhinos to six Grand-Final victories in the last decade and to three World Club Challenge triumphs.

The 34-year-old has spent his entire career with Leeds, for whom he is the club’s record points-scorer with 3,609 from 462 appearances.

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“I’m obviously delighted and very proud and I’m sure my family will be when they find out,” Sinfield said.

“I think it’s great that rugby league gets some recognition again.

“I’d like to dedicate it to all those players I’ve played alongside over many years and coaches I’ve played under and all the people at Leeds really who have played such a huge part in my career.”

Sinfield emulates his Leeds team-mate Jamie Peacock, his predecessor as England captain who was awarded an MBE in the Queen’s 2012 New Year Honours.

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The manager of last year’s Rugby League World Cup, which saw games hosted across Yorkshire, received an OBE.
Sally Bolton, of Wetherby, is now the managing director for the London 2017 World Athletics Championships.

Grass roots sport was also honoured, with Cleckheaton’s Gordon Cooper recognised for his voluntary commitment to junior cricket in across Dewsbury and Batley.

The 76-year-old, who received the British Empire Medal (BEM) is life vice-president of the Heavy Woollen District Junior Cricket League.

Voluntary service to cricket also earned a BEM for Jack Greenwood, a volunteer at Denholme Cricket Club, near Bradford.

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The general secretary of England Schools Cricket Association, Kenneth Lake, of Willerby, East Riding, received an MBE.

Those at the heart of their communities featured heavily in the honours’ list.

A reverend who works tirelessly to unite different faiths in an area of North Leeds has been awarded an MBE for services to community cohesion.

Rev Canon Charles Dobbin, Team Rector at Moor Allerton and Shadwell was recognised for his work bringing together Jewish, Muslim and Christian communities - not simply by getting them to communicate with each other, but by involving all sectors of the community in practical projects like clean-ups.

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Rev Dobbin, who is chair of the Diocesan Interfaith Task Group, said he was “astonished” to learn of the award.

A woman who leads a team of more than 160 volunteers to help hundreds of elderly residents stay in their homes and out of hospital or the care service has been awarded a BEM for services to older people.

Monica Walker has been at the heart of Garforth’s Neighbourhood Elders Team (NET) for more than 12 years.

Mrs Walker, 57, said: “I am really humbled and thrilled. I’ve always thought that recognition was for the important or brave - all we do is provide kindness and a listening ear.

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“I am just representing the charity, We have a wonderful team and volunteers who work tirelessly. I will cherish it for the rest of my life.”

The deputy mayor of Selby Town Council, Coun Gavin Harding, was awarded an MBE for his work for people with learning disabilities.