The former leader of Waltham Forest council has been recognised in the Queen’s birthday honours list.

Chris Robbins, who stood down as the council’s leader last month after seven years at the helm, will receive a CBE for public service.

Cllr Robbins has served as a councillor in the borough since 2002 and also spent time as the council’s cabinet member for lifelong learning and cabinet member for children and young people.

He said: “I am delighted to receive this award not only for myself and my family but as recognition of Waltham Forest council’s achievements and its growing reputation across London.”

Born in 1945, Cllr Robins was brought up in Bethnal Green and has lived in Leyton for more than 40 years with wife, Shelley. He has 2 daughters, Victoria and Emma, and 2 grandchildren, Anya and Thomas.

He led the council while Waltham Forest was a host borough during the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games and also oversaw the introduction of the controversial Mini Holland cycle scheme.

Cllr Robbins remains a councillor for Grove Green ward in Leyton and plans to stand for re-election in 2018.

The council’s new leader, Cllr Clare Coghill said: “I have seen at first hand Chris’s hard work and commitment to the people of the borough. This award is very well-deserved.”