Oldham natives dominated the King’s New Year Honours list this year, with actresses, entrepreneurs, educators and community advocates among those recognized for their contributions to British society.

Sarah Lancashire, the Oldham-raised actress known for her television work, received a CBE for services to drama. Joanne Taylor from Saddleworth earned a British Empire Medal for her advocacy work supporting breast cancer patients.

Steve Rigby, former Oldham headteacher who founded the 3Cs chess club 46 years ago, received a British Empire Medal for services to chess and youth development. The honor makes Rigby only the 13th person nationally to receive royal recognition specifically for chess-related contributions, coming just one year after he received the Points of Light award.

“I am delighted to receive this award not only for myself but on behalf of the remarkable people who I have spent time sharing the same vision with and who have all helped to make our achievements possible,” Rigby said. “That so many have supported the 3Cs club’s inclusive nature to provide opportunities for all has been a great inspiration to me all my life.”

Anthony John Martin earned an OBE for services to rugby league football, while Gill Riley, managing director and co-founder of Royton-based GGR Group, received a CBE for services to the lifting industry. Riley, who started the company with her brother Graeme in 1995, previously received an OBE for construction services in 2015.

“I am truly humbled and honoured to receive the King’s CBE,” Riley said. “This recognition is not just a personal achievement, but a reflection of the dedication and hard work of everyone at GGR Group.”

Greater Manchester Police also claimed honors, with assistant chief officer Ian Cosh receiving an OBE for policing services and Rochdale-born Lee Rawlinson earning an MBE for his sustainability work at the Environment Agency.

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