Retired politician and Bellshill Nisa man get gongs

Sir Tom Clarke clocked up 33 years as an MP in total and his 19,519 majority in 2005 within this constituency was the largest in that Parliament. He would go on to serve the area until 2015.

The award citation says that the former Monklands councillor, who is already a papal knight, has “dedicated his life to fighting for the people he grew up with in North Lanarkshire”.

It adds: “Throughout his parliamentary career he was a champion for disabled people and a passionate advocate for disabled rights.”

Mr Clarke said: “I’m really very humbled. This is quite unexpected, and I regard it as not just being for me but for all my former constituents, family, friends, colleagues and especially for everyone in the wider community.”

Meanwhile Abdul Majid who runs Nisa in Bellshill has been awarded the MBE.

The award was made for outstanding service to the local community, Scottish retail and to charities at home and abroad.

“Surprised but humbled” Mr Majid, who is a former president of the Scottish Grocers Federation, said: “I would like to thank my family and friends as well as my retailer colleagues at the Scottish Grocers Federation for their love and support.

“A special mention for the wonderful people at the following charities - Sarwar Foundation, St Andrews Hospice and Maggie’s Lanarkshire for all their efforts

“And finally, to the good people of Bellshill for putting up with me for the past 37 years!”