A North East council leader has been left delighted after he was awarded an OBE in the King's Birthday Honours list.

Sunderland City Council Chief Executive Patrick Melia says he "could never have dreamed" to have been honoured by the King.

Mr Melia, who has been chief executive at the council since 2018, left school at age 16 and began working at South Tyneside Council before attending Durham University's business school.

Now, 40 years on, he hopes his pride for the North East will inspire the next generation.

Patrick said: "As a 16-year-old school leaver, I could never have dreamt how 40 years later I would be honoured in this way.

"I do genuinely believe that this is a wider tribute to the many people who have helped me, shaped me and guided me over the years, and especially those I have been lucky enough to work with.

"I have always felt very proud of our region, always been driven by a sense of service to those around me, and always wanted to help ensure that everybody gets more opportunities and that together we can all help make the North East an even better place to live and work in.

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"If you're a young person starting out today in the world of work, I hope I have also illustrated that it is possible to remain close to your roots, take up local opportunities and make and shape positive and progressive change for our communities and people."

Leader of Sunderland City Council, Councillor Michael Mordey added: "On behalf of residents across our city, councillors and council officers, and the many others who know and who have worked with Patrick over the years, I want to place on record our congratulations for his strong and continued sterling service to Sunderland and all of our region.

"This honour is testament to the positive change that he has brought and continues to bring, and how he has helped guide our city and region forward."