Mike Cooper, of the Cooper Car Company, has been awarded an OBE in the New Year’s Honours list

The Cooper Car Company, started by Mike’s father and Grandfather in Surbiton in 1947, is responsible for bringing us the MINI.

The company is credited with breathing new life into the UK car industry.

Mike has said he is honoured to receive the award, particularly as his father John was awarded a CBE in 2000.

And Debbie Jones, Croydon’s former Corporate Director for Children, Young People and Education, has been made Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for services to children and families.