A rugby league great is among those from the Wakefield district recognised in he King's Birthday Honours List with Neil Fox awarded a CBE and Kevin Sinfield set to become Sir Kevin.

Mr Fox, the sport’s highest scorer, has been appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for services to rugby league, while Mr Sinfield will receive a knighthood in recognition of his services to rugby league, rugby union and the motor neurone disease community.

They are among four people from the Wakefield district recognised in this year's honours list.

Also honoured is Adrian Kneeshaw, from Wakefield, who has been appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for services to education.

Helen Mack, also from Wakefield, has received the British Empire Medal (BEM) for services to hospice care.

Pontefract resident Lisette van Riel has been awarded a British Empire Medal for services to animal welfare charities after raising more than £165,000 for dog rescue organisations across the UK.

She launched the non-profit DoggyLottery in 2020, creating an online rotating charity lottery designed to support dog charities, including smaller rescue centres that often struggle to attract funding.

By June 2026, the initiative had raised more than £165,000 for over 100 dog charities, including more than £25,000 for 65 rescue centres in its first year.

She later launched DoggyWarriors, a community-led initiative bringing together dog lovers while continuing to raise funds for dogs in need through the sale of ethically sourced products.

Across Yorkshire and the Humber, 83 people have been recognised in the 2026 Birthday Honours List, accounting for just over seven per cent of recipients nationwide.

Nationally, 1,182 people have been honoured this year, with recognition going to community champions, foster carers, healthcare workers, volunteers, sports figures, public servants and advocates for the arts.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: "Across the UK, people are quietly changing lives and strengthening their communities. This Honours List is a chance to recognise them.

"Their dedication shows how lasting change is built - through compassion, resilience and a commitment to others.

"It speaks to the decent, hopeful country we are proud to be, and on behalf of the whole nation, I want to say thank you."