Luther Blissett holds a special place in Watford’s collective heart and it is wonderful to see him recognised in the Queen's birthday honours.

He is a worthy recipient for his football achievements alone. Along with the late, great Graham Taylor, Luther symbolises Watford’s meteoric rise from the Fourth Division to the First Division that saw him become the club’s record goalscorer and appearance maker. He also made history as the first black player to score for England.

Read more: Watford legend Luther Blissett awarded OBE

Luther’s place in the hearts of Watford’s fans is assured, but he has continued the community legacy of Taylor by supporting numerous charitable causes nationally and locally, particularly during the pandemic when he was at the forefront of the town’s response.

Also featured in this week's paper is Vanessa Rousseau, who will receive a British Empire Medal for her work helping to feed disadvantaged children and the vulnerable during the Covid pandemic lockdowns.

Read more: Woman who helped vulnerable during lockdown named in Queen's birthday honours

She was among many in whom the best was brought out by the coronavirus pandemic and lockdowns.

The ethos that drives them both is one that is always with us - serving the community and the country.

Of course it is the Queen's Platinum Jubilee, which itself embodies 70 years of service to the nation, so this year's honours will seem particularly special.