A head teacher has received a knighthood in the Queen's birthday honours for turning around a struggling west London school.

William Atkinson was honoured for his work at Phoenix High School, Shepherds Bush, and boosting community relations.

"I like to see (young people) take responsibility for their own life," Mr Atkinson said.

EastEnders actress June Brown and Arsenal ladies and England striker Kelly Smith become MBEs.

Sir William was born in Jamaica and came to Britain at the age of seven.

His strong leadership enabled him to overcome low results and bad behaviour at the west London school.

'See them develop'

"What I love about it is that I love being with young people," Sir William said.

"I love to see them grow, I love to see them develop. I like to see them take responsibility for their own life, going forward."

He added: "There are almost too many reasons why I like what I do."

His knighthood reflects the fact that he has "galvanised the wider community, in the most challenging of circumstances, to become pro-active in the education of its children".

Other London-based figures being honoured include comedian Victoria Wood and presenter Des O'Connor, who become CBEs.

Brown, who plays Dot Cotton in BBC soap EastEnders, said her MBE for services to drama and charity, was "lovely".

"I think it's very nice to be recognised," she told BBC London 94.9.

Brown, 81, is president of the Michael Elliott Trust, which gives children with special needs the chance to care for abandoned donkeys.

"I'm delighted for my main charity, The Michael Elliott Trust, and all my smaller charities and not forgetting my family who are very happy for me," she said.

"I thought the investiture was today. I was quite confused, so I rushed out and bought a suit. But it looks likely to be in October or November."

Wasps and England rugby hero Lawrence Dallaglio was appointed OBE.

Others being honoured include Halle Orchestra director Mark Elder and Metropolitan Police deputy commissioner Paul Stephenson, who are knighted.

Broadcaster Joan Bakewell was made a dame for services to journalism and the arts.

South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust chief executive Charles Bell and Heather Schroeder, Camden's director of children, schools and families, become CBEs.

The Queen is marking her official birthday with the annual Trooping the Colour parade through central London on saturday.

Not that i would accept any honours from the Queen, but congratulations to him FOR the HARD work he had do to turn that School around. I know where the School is and it's great to see our own in areas dominated by us doing good for the community.

Last year the Evening Standard published a big magazine called "The top 1000 most influential people in London2 nd he was in there , in the Education category.

Unless he managed to save the inner city Black African youth, instilling them with a knowledge of an respect for their own culture his award is for attending to european standards, helping integrate them into a society that conspires against them.

If the Queen gives you praise you know you're doing something wrong.