Adeeba Malik’s was awarded a CBE by the HRH the Prince of Wales during an Investiture ceremony at Buckingham Palace.

The Commander of the Order of the British Empire is awarded for having a distinguished, innovative contribution in a prominent role at national level, or a leading role at regional level.

Adeeba said: “When I first heard about the honour it was a complete shock. I was humbled too. I hope it inspires others. I came from a working class background growing up in Bradford and educated at local schools.

"There’s a long way to go around equality and opportunity, but I hope this award shows what can be achieved.”

Adeeba began as a teacher in Hull and Bradford and has worked as Deputy CEO of the Bradford based charity, QED.

Her father was a Pakistani immigrant who taught himself English under a street light in the city of Sialkot, before emigrating to Bradford in 1958, working in the mills.

“My parents strongly believed in giving their children an education. I feel impassioned that everyone should have access to a good education and the opportunities to succeed.

"I fundamentally believe that if we can get the economic and social integration right in our communities then that will make a huge difference.”

Previously honoured with an MBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List for services to ethnic minorities in 2004.

She spent six years on the board of regional development agency Yorkshire Forward as well as – among other things – chairing the Ethnic Minority Business Forum for the Department of Trade and Industry, joining the board of British Waterways and a commissioner for the Women and Work Commission under the Blair government.

Adeeba was one of only two Muslims in England to be awarded the CBE in the 2015 New Year’s Honours List.