The Isle of Wight's Graham Biss says he's "shocked and honoured" to have been awarded a BEM - or British Empire Medal.
A familiar face among Islanders, Graham has been recognised for his service to the Isle of Wight community in the Queen's Birthday Honours list.
Over the last year, the 58-year-old has played a key role in helping struggling businesses apply for financial aid during the pandemic.
He is a board member of Island company Natural Enterprise, and has assisted those who applied for the Isle of Wight Rural Fund.
Speaking to Isle of Wight Radio, Graham said he wasn't expecting any recognition:
"It was an email and I was shocked if I'm honest with you. It's not something I expected and it's not something I'm even sure I deserve! But I'm honoured to have been nominated and I'm honoured to have received the award.
"I'm very lucky. I have a fantastic role, within a fantastic organisation with fantastic people all around me. I guess all I do is point in the right direction. All the people I've been lucky enough to be involved with share the same wish to make a difference. We're all passionate about the Island and the people and everyone involved are here to make a difference if we can."
Graham is also the chief executive of Gift to Nature, an organisation dedicated to looking after the Isle of Wight's countryside.
Under his stewardship, the firm has overseen significant improvements in many natural places, ingeniously involving residents.
He has also secured vital grant funding to enhance the sites making them more accessible.
As part of the Royal County Show team, Graham was able to use the Isle of Wight County Showground to set up an open market last July.
He came up with the idea to help Island traders and the self-employed who were hit be event cancellations.
Graham told Isle of Wight Radio that his invaluable community work wouldn't be possible without his family:
"I really need to pay tribute to my wife Sue and my four boys. They're the ones who have supported me all the way through, with everything I do.
"So probably now is the time to apologise for those occasions and events I've missed because I've been off doping other things!
"Really, a lot of the tributes here should go to them because without their support I just couldn't have done what I've done."
Graham is expected to be presented with the award at a ceremony on the Island later this year.
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