A DEDICATED public servant from Greenock is one of two Inverclyde residents named on the Queen's birthday honours list.

Department for Work and Pensions employee John Reid has been honoured with an MBE for services to vulnerable people in Scotland and the local area.

The married dad-of-two has worked for the DWP for 35 years and is currently area manager for legacy benefits.

John is an active member of the local community and was a founding member of Ardgowan Football Development Club in Greenock.

He also launched a team for primary school children in Wemyss Bay, where he volunteered until 2017, and has taken on various charity fundraising challenges, including running the Loch Ness Marathon in aid of Ardgowan Hospice and walking the Great Wall of China for Maggie's Centres.

Reacting to his award, John told the Tele: "I genuinely couldn't believe it when I opened the letter saying I was to receive an MBE. "I have been fortunate to work with and be supported by so many good people in the DWP over the last 35 years and have had so many great career opportunities.

"My driver, in work and life in general, is helping people and I think that is why I have enjoyed working in operational and partnership roles, as I have had the opportunity to develop and deliver services that change people's lives for good. "I've also been able to provide support to colleagues looking to develop their own talent and career - if I'm being honest this is now my favourite part of the job.

"I was a founder member, volunteer coach and secretary of Ardgowan Football Development Club for 17 years, which I loved. "I've also done a range of activities to raise money for charity but it is the workers and volunteers of these organisations who deserve the credit, not me."

John attended Greenock High School and James Watt College and graduated with an MBA from the Open University in 2002.

He lives in Wemyss Bay with his wife of 28 years, Ann, daughter Jennifer, 25, who is studying radiotherapy at university, and son Cameron, 22, an engineer.

John has stayed in the village since 1992.

He started his career as admin assistant at Greenock unemployment benefit office in 1984 and has worked in a number of leadership roles across the DWP.

Also included on the honours list is Kilmacolm professor Graham Wren, who has been awarded an OBE for services to education, science and engineering.

Prof Wren is the special adviser to the principal of Strathclyde University.