Ash Soni, vice-chairman of the English Pharmacy Board, has been awarded an OBE for services to community pharmacy and the NHS in the New Year Honours. Sue Sharpe, chief executive of PSNC, was awarded an OBE for services to the pharmaceutical industry. And Dr Keith Ridge, chief pharmacist at NHS England, was awarded a CBE.

Mr Soni has been an independent proprietor for 27 years, chairman of the NPA and a member of PSNC. He was a founder member of the NHS Future Forum and is now clinical network lead for NHS Lambeth CCG.

Mr Soni said: “This is a tribute to all those pharmacists out there who deliver incredible patient care and I am privileged to be able to tell their stories at the highest levels.”

Mrs Sharpe said: “Community pharmacy has been increasing its profile as a key player within the NHS for a number of years now, and it’s great to see some of the hard work that we have all put into that being recognised.”

Mrs Sharpe’s OBE will be the second on her mantlepiece. Husband David was awarded his OBE in the 1987 New Year Honours.