GERALDINE Howley – chief executive of Keighley social housing group Incommunities – had a royal appointment.

She has been to Buckingham Palace to collect her OBE from the Duke of Cambridge.

Mrs Howley was awarded the accolade for services to housing, young people and the local community.

She began her career as a temporary housing receptionist with Bradford Council over 35 years ago, eventually becoming housing director.

During the past 15 years, at the helm of Incommunities, she has overseen a £400 million modernisation programme.

She was president of the Chartered Institute of Housing in 2015, and last year was made a doctor of the University of Bradford for her “outstanding contribution” to housing across the district.

She also co-founded GEM, a hugely-successful professional development programme which nurtures graduates to become future leaders.

After the palace ceremony, she said: “I am so thrilled and honoured to collect this award.

“As someone who has been brought up in Bradford and built a career here, to receive this honour is a deeply humbling one and it was lovely to share the occasion with my family.

“I am a strong believer in team work and see this as a tribute to the many brilliant and dedicated people who I have worked with over the years and who share my passion to make a difference to people’s lives.”