Congratulations to all the local people awarded honours in the Queen’s birthday honours List.

They should be justifiably proud of themselves.

To serve their communities for many years is something that deserves to be recognised.

Unfortunately, I find it difficult to be as enthusiastic about the awards handed out to the many film stars, athletes, busines people and entertainers. Why should they receive honours when all they have done is pursue their careers and, in most cases, made themselves very wealthy?

John Dickens
Eastwoodbury Crescent
Southend