The NI Housing Executive's Gordon Reilly has been awarded an MBE for services to social housing.

Mr Reilly has worked at the Housing Executive for 39 years and has been District Manager in the Shankill area for the past 21 years. During his long career Mr Reilly has also worked in West and North Belfast.

Belfast Area Manager, Maurice Johnston, extended his congratulations to Mr Reilly.

"Gordon is a long serving and very popular member of staff so we are all delighted that he has been honoured in this way."

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Mr Reilly said his whole family were thrilled, if not a bit shocked, at the news.

"It was a big surprise for the family because you don’t actually know you are getting the award until the day the list is published. But needless to say the phone was very busy after that!"

Mr Reilly said he was delighted to receive such an honour, and is looking forward to going to the Palace to meet the Queen.

"However, I have to emphasise that my colleagues in the Housing Executive have played a big part in my getting this award and I would like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to them as well."

Meanwhile, David Patton, Chairman of the Patton Group will also be decorated with an MBE for his services to the construction industry.

(PR/BMcC)