A leading figure in Bristol’s business community has been honoured twice in recent weeks.

Earlier this month Dianne Francombe, chief executive of the West of England China Bureau, travelled to London to collect the OBE that she was awarded in the New Year’s Honours List.

Dianne received her OBE from Her Majesty The Queen at Buckingham Palace in recognition of services to UK/China relations.

She was among a group of business leaders recognised for “truly exceptional and outstanding service to international trade, investment and exporting.”

Then just ten days later, Dianne was among a group of local people to be awarded the Lord Mayor’s Medal.

At an annual ceremony at The Mansion House, Lord Mayor Councillor Jos Clark presented the award to 15 people who have made a significant contribution to the local community.

The two honours are the result of 30 years of engagement with China – stretching back to the time when Dianne was director of admissions at the then Bristol Polytechnic in the 1980s.

“What a year it’s been so far! Both of these honours were a total shock and I’m not expecting any further surprises,” said Dianne.