Wearside wonders are pride of the city

There’s nothing like an honours list to get the public purring, raging or simply shrugging their shoulders in ambivalence.

For some, it is an archaic self-serving system that boils the blood when rewarding the privileged for doing nothing more than their jobs. To others, when the names of lauded diplomats and civil servants are released, the news barely registers.

When, however, ordinary folk doing amazing things get the recognition they deserve, the honours system can warm the heart and bolster our sense of community pride. And news today that a number of our own have been honoured for their work in our community does just that.

Kim Sheers is as down to earth as they come and her story of mistaking her call about her British Empire

Medal for a DIY store error is a real heartwarmer.

Rob Lawson, a former editor of the Echo, is a Sunderland lad through and through who, during his time with this paper, worked hard to project the city in the best possible light. He has been honoured with Ellen Thinnesen for their outstanding contribution to education.

Fundraisers Tom and Carla Cuthbertson are rewarded too along with a host of other worthy recipients. All are modest in their responses, choosing to use the platform to praise the work of others.

Their humility is admirable but they should all enjoy their moment in the limelight to the fullest. Their success is our community’s success and we’re proud to see their achievements honoured.

Wearside is purring today.