Inspiring Oldhamers recognised in New Year Honours including Coronation Street and Black Doves star Sarah Lancashire
The Happy Valley and Last Tango In Halifax legend has been honoured for her services to drama.
Inspirational Oldhamers including Coronation Street legend Sarah Lancashire have been recognised in the King’s New Year Honours.
The BAFTA and National Television Award-winning actress has been made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for services to drama.
The former Oldham Hulme Grammar School pupil, who won hearts in the hit shows Happy Valley and Last Tango In Halifax following her breakthrough role as loveable Raquel Watts in Corrie in the 90s, is currently starring with Keira Knightley in the Netflix spy thriller Black Doves.
Patient advocate Joanne Taylor, from Diggle, has received the British Empire Medal for services to breast cancer patients after being diagnosed with secondary breast cancer, also known as metastatic breast cancer, in 2014 and setting up the After Breast Cancer Diagnosis (ABCD) website.
Breast cancer advocate Joanne Taylor. Credit: METUP UK
She also founded the secondary breast cancer patient advocacy group METUPUK.
Also recognised is Rugby League touch judge Anthony Martin, from Grasscroft, who has been made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for his services to the sport.
Cllr Arooj Shah, Leader of Oldham Council, said: “On behalf of everyone in Oldham, I want to say a huge congratulations to Sarah Lancashire, Joanne Taylor, and Anthony John Martin for receiving these incredible honours.
“Sarah Lancashire’s CBE is so well-deserved for her amazing work and talent in the arts.
“Joanne Taylor has made a real difference with her dedication to supporting breast cancer patients, and Anthony John Martin’s hard work in Rugby League has brought pride to our town.
“They all show what’s great about Oldham and we’re so proud of them all.”
