Former regional press staff are among those to have been recognised in the Queen's Birthday Honours list.

Martin Keene, group picture editor for The Press Association, is to become a Member of the Royal Victorian Order.

He began his career as a photographer at the Herald Express in Torquay, Devon.

He then moved to the national news agency, spending nine years as a photographer including five years as PA's royal photographer.

Martin (pictured) photographed the Queen on her historic trips to Moscow and South Africa, Diana, Princess of Wales, as she sat alone outside the Taj Mahal, and the Duchess of York trekking to Mount Everest.

He was appointed picture editor in 1995 and group picture editor last year.

The 49-year-old said of his award: "I'm absolutely delighted and totally thrilled.

"I've had brilliant opportunities at The Press Association to see all the members of the Royal Family carrying out their duties."

The Royal Victorian Order recognises service to the Royal Family and household.

Author Barbara Taylor Bradford, who began her career on the Yorkshire Evening Post, has also been honoured.

She has been awarded an OBE for services to literature.

The author first joined the Evening Post as a typist before being promoted to reporter.

She then moved to London and worked on Fleet Street for Woman's Own and the London Evening News before turning her hand to writing fiction.

Her first novel, A Woman of Substance, became a huge best-seller and was followed by more than 20 others.