A councillor has been recognised in the Queen’s Birthday Honours for her dedication to supporting and inspiring diverse women.

Three Rivers district councillor Reena Ranger is the co-founder and chair of Women Empowered, a forum at which black and minority ethnic women hear from guest speakers who talk about their own paths to success.

The forum was founded in 2012 to encourage women and men from all different backgrounds and to inspire others, and enables members to network and carry out voluntary charitable work.

The Conservative, who has represented Moor Park & Eastbury since 2014, was made an OBE for services to BAME women.

Cllr Ranger said: “My aim of trying to connect people and inspire has been an incredibly inspirational journey for me and brought a new worldly view, untold pride and a sense of accomplishment that I will be eternally grateful for.

“I am delighted that we make a positive difference to people’s lives. My thanks to all involved, and I share this honour with them.”

Cllr Alex Hayward, leader of the Conservative group at Three Rivers District Council, said: “Reena is an example of a councillor who does everything she can to help all residents, and also takes on additional activities to help and support diverse people through Women Empowered.”

Liberal Democrat council leader Sara Bedford said: “This is well-deserved. I know that Reena has worked for many years to support and inspire women to fulfil their potential, grow their ambitions and become involved in public life.”

Labour group leader Cllr Stephen Cox added: “I celebrate this good news, there is no doubt that Reena is dedicated to helping people.”

Women Empowered was founded in 2012 and hopes to encourage women from all different backgrounds and even men to inspire others.