Housing and renewal high-flyers rewarded in birthday honours

David Henshaw, chief executive of Liverpool council, was knighted for services to local government. He said the award reflected the city's successful bid for European Capital of Culture in 2008.

Leslie Elton also gained a knighthood for his 20 years' service as chief executive of Gateshead council. Elton retired from the post in March.

Housing professionals received a range of honours. There were OBEs for Angus Kennedy, chief executive of Castlevale Housing Action Trust, and Alison Thain, chief executive of Tees Valley Housing Group, both for services to social housing. Thain, who has been in her role for eight years, said it was "heartening" that people who work in the sector had been recognised. She said: "The issues we face receive a higher profile as a result."

Michael Haines picked up an OBE for services to the community of Hackney: he was honorary treasurer at London & Quadrant Housing Trust for 25 years and then a board member of the Peabody Trust before retiring.

Poplar HARCA chair Christine Searle received an MBE for her contribution to the regeneration of east London. She said: "It's such an honour to receive an MBE and to receive so much support from fellow residents and colleagues."

Others on the list included Colin Barrow, chairman of the Improvement and Development Agency, and Barbara Philips, director of the Department of Trade and Industry's social enterprise unit. Both got CBEs.

Senior civil servants also bagged top awards: Robert Smith, director-general of the ODPM's regional development group, became a Companion of the Order of the Bath, while the chair of the Commission for Social Care Inspection, Denise Platt, became a Dame Commander for services to social care. Michael Ash, deputy director of planning at the ODPM, received an OBE.