TWO Stourbridge women have been recognised by the Queen in the birthday honours list.

Gillian Cartwright, headteacher at Old Park School, Quarry Bank, said she was delighted to receive an OBE for her services to education.

She has worked at the school, on Thorns Road, for 16 years and became headteacher in 2003.

The school, which caters for pupils aged four to 19 with special educational needs, was placed in special measures but has now been rated as outstanding by Ofsted for the second time, which Mrs Cartwright puts down to her "amazing team".

She was also instrumental in the school moving from its old site in Dudley, to a new, purpose built school, as part of the Thorns Community Learning Village, in 2011, which she said she was very proud of: "Myself and my senior staff worked closely with the local authority to get the school we wanted for the children."

Mrs Cartwright, who lives in Pedmore added: "I have an amazing team and I like to think this award is in recognition of them as well. It's nice to think that our hard work is recognised."

Kim Thorneywork, interim chief executive at the Skills Funding Agency, was also recognised for her services to education, learning and skills and awarded a CBE.

She said: "I'm feeling very pleased, it was a complete surprise."

Ms Thorneywork, who lives in Stourbridge, has extensive experience in the further education sector, having worked in schools throughout the West Midlands and as area director for the Learning and Skills Council.

In her current role, she works with the Government to fund skills training for further education and apprenticeships throughout England.

She said: "I'm most proud of championing further education and being able to support the Government to deliver funding.

"I've worked in education for 34 years and after all that time I'm still enthusiastic and committed."

Sharon Rowe, Assistant Chief Constable of West Midlands Police, was also been recognised with the Queen’s Police Medal.

She said: "I am delighted and very honoured to have been awarded the Queen’s Police Medal. I enjoyed every minute of my career in the police which presents fresh challenges every day.

"It has been my privilege to serve the public and I am humbled by this award."