A nursery boss, a headteacher at deaf and blind schools, and a woman who set up an organisation helping mums back to work were among the residents to be recognised in the Queen’s birthday honours.

Judith Ish-Horowicz, of De Montford Road, Streatham Hill, was appointed an MBE for services to early years education. She set up the Apples and Honey nursery at Wimbledon Reform Synagogue in 1991, where she is also the headteacher at the synagogue's religion school.

The nursery has grown from having three children, to being oversubscribed with some 38 youngsters.

She said: "I was stunned, proud and delighted. I feel early learning is so important and it’s wonderful to be honoured for it."

Colleague Gila Godsi said the 56-year-old devoted herself totally to the nursery, the community and the children.

Crystal Palace resident Emma Stewart, who set up Women Like Us, an organisation that helps mums find part-time and flexible jobs in and around London, was appointed an MBE for services to social enterprises.

The Fox Hill resident, whose two children go to Cyprus Infants School, said: "I'm absolutely thrilled.

"This time five years ago, we were sitting at my kitchen table thinking about how to link women returners and employers, when the two so clearly needed one another.

"Now Women Like Us is a reality with 17,000 London-based candidates registered."

Streatham resident Roger Legate was made an OBE for services to special needs education.

He has been head of Linden Lodge School for the visually impaired in Wandsworth for 14 years, and has been working as interim head at deaf school Oak Lodge in Balham.

He said: "I'm indebted to our highly experienced staff and our inspirational children who demonstrate good humour, are always hard working and are positive in their outlook on life when faced with many challenges."

Herne Hill resident Graham Fenwick Pimlott, formerly chairman of the Export Credits guarantee department, was created a CBE for services to business for the six years he oversaw the organisation that ensures businesses who trade abroad get paid.

Philip Walters, from Herne Hill, was made an MBE for services to educational publishing.

Streatham's James Francis Patrick O'Neill, a criminal investigation officer at the Risk and Intelligence Service, HM Revenue and Customs, was also made an MBE.