University News Last updated 08 January 2009
BBC Broadcaster and Birmingham City University governor Anita Bhalla has been rewarded for her services to broadcasting.
Anita, who is based at BBC Birmingham, has been awarded an OBE by the Queen in the New Year's Honours list.
The royal accolade is the latest in a long line of awards for Anita's commitment to community work in the region.
Former Midlands Today presenter Anita now works as editor for the BBC's public space broadcasting - making her responsible for content on the Beeb's ‘big screens' in towns and cities across the UK.
Anita said she was "overwhelmed" by her most recent honour and added: "I'm a Brummie and I have been working in the community for a long time - I'm very proud of Birmingham.
"I never thought when I was at school I would have a string of qualifications and be here talking about receiving an OBE in the New Year's Honours. It just shows you can do it."
Anita trained as a teacher before becoming a community worker with the Asian Resource Centre in Handsworth, where she set up one of the first dedicated hostels for Asian women.
Her broadcasting career has included presenting Channel 4's Eastern Eye, and being community affairs correspondent for BBC television news.
As well as being a governor at Birmingham City University, Anita is also a trustee of Birmingham's Symphony Hall.
Others associated with the University who have also been recognised in the New Year's Honours list, include honorary doctors Elizabeth Fradd and Tim Brighouse were awarded respectively the DBE for services to nursing and a knighthood for services to education.
For further information please contact Birmingham City University Media Relations Office on 0121 331 6738, email press@bcu.ac.uk or out of hours on 07967 271 532.