The Chief Minister, an ornithologist, a musician and a diplomat are amongst those who have been honoured in this year’s Birthday Honours List.

Howard Quayle has been awarded a CBE for his work as MHK for 10 years and as Chief Minister since 2016.

A press release from Government House says that Mr Quayle, has ’led the island through an exceptionally challenging period’.

Ornithologist Chris Sharpe has been given an MBE.

Over 25 years ago he founded the Manx Bird Atlas charity and 11 years later published, to critical acclaim, the first bird atlas in the world at its level of scientific vigour and detail.

Mr Sharpe said he was ’honoured and surprised’ when the Lieutenant Governor rang to inform him of the news.

’I know His Excellency is a birdwatcher himself, so I thought he was calling to tell me he had seen something interesting.’ Mr Sharpe said.

Asked how he felt about receiving the honour, Mr Sharpe told us he was ’really pleased for Manx ornithology, and that my efforts and those of others have been recognised’.

Marilyn Cannell, who lives in Kirk Michael, has received the British Empire Medal.

She has been involved with the Guild - the Manx Music Festival -for more than 50 years, and said: ’It is very nice to be recognised. I am involved in quite a lot of things to do with music, primarily as an accompanist.

’I am not one who likes a lot of publicity. I [have always said] the best thing an accompanist should do is not be noticed. You are there to support the singer and make sure [they do] their best.’

Even in ’retirement’ Mrs Cannell continues to compete, and throughout the year she supports music and drama projects, is a willing volunteer at events across the island, and is also a church organist and preacher.

Former Ramsey Grammar School head boy Richard Cowin has been awarded an MBE for diplomatic service.

Mr Cowin lives in Beijing, where he has been first secretary at the British Embassy in China over the last three years and Head of Healthcare and Life Sciences in the Department for International Trade.

He was heavily involved with the Covid-19 response regarding medical equipment and PPE.

His family here in the island described the news as ’a total shock’ but said they were ’very pleased to learn of this honour’.