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Three key figures in the Yorkshire and Humber business and public service worlds have received recognition for their efforts.

Beckie Hart, the regional director for Yorkshire and the Humber at the Confederation of British Industry (CBI), Dominic Gibbons, managing director of regeneration company Wykeland Group and Coun Anne Handley, the leader of East Riding Council, were awarded the Order of Distinction from Hull College at a ceremony in Hull Minster.

The college says the trio have " demonstrated outstanding commitment to the community, made a significant impact in their fields, and inspired others through their work". They joined more than 150 graduating students and delivered keynote speeches at the ceremony.

Ms Hart was commended for her leadership at the CBI, which the college said had helped to shape public policy, support local businesses, and create a thriving environment for the regional economy. Her work as chair of the board of trustees at Hull Truck Theatre and volunteering at the Silent Community Kitchen were also celebrated.

Mr Gibbons was singled out for having been instrumental in driving physical and cultural regeneration throughout Hull and East Yorkshire, with the college pointing to his work spearheading projects such as the redevelopment of the Fruit Market and the land assembly for the Connexin Arena as well as Wykeland's community support for cultural organisations, schools and youth projects.

And Coun Handley, the first female leader in the council's history, was celebrated for her efforts to improve education, skills and infrastructure across East Riding. The college highlighted her role in securing a devolution deal that was signed off earlier this year.

Debra Gray, principal and CEO of Hull College, said: "We are thrilled to recognise Beckie, Dominic, and Anne with the Order of Distinction at this year’s Graduation Ceremony. Their dedication to improving the lives of people in this region through business leadership, cultural initiatives, and public service is truly inspiring. They are role models, not only for our students, but for the entire community."

Ms Hart said: "I am deeply honoured and humbled to receive the Order of Distinction from Hull College, an anchor institution I’ve had a relationship with in my 10 years representing the business community in Yorkshire and the Humber. Supporting young people in developing their skills and talents is crucial, as they are our future leaders, innovators, and changemakers. Hull College’s commitment to nurturing all their students is truly commendable, not just by providing them with a great education, but giving them confidence, employability skills and pride and as a result the college has made a significant impact on countless lives."

Mr Gibbons said: “It is an honour and a pleasure to receive an Order of Distinction from one of Hull’s key educational institutions. I congratulate all the students graduating on their achievements and wish them the very best for the next steps in their education and future careers. Although we operate across Yorkshire and Lincolnshire, we are proud that Wykeland Group is rooted in Hull and that we play a key role in the development of the city and region, and have done so for well over half a century.”

Coun Handley said: ““I am passionate about skills and education and going forward with our devolution deal we will work with our education establishments to ensure we build on the great successes we have in this region. The college is a springboard for many careers and I am delighted to be here today to watch as all the students receive their awards and go forward with theirs."