SWINDON Town legend Mike Summerbee has been awarded an OBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours.

Summerbee, who scored 40 times for Swindon in over 200 appearances, was given the prestigious honour for services to football and charity.

‘Buzzer’ made his debut for Town in December 1959, and established himself as a key player for the club.

He represented England at Under 23 level whilst at the County Ground before he was sold to Manchester City in 1965.

There, he made 451 appearances and won the league, FA Cup, League Cup as well as the European Cup Winners’ Cup.

The now 79-year-old earnt eight caps for his country.

In an interview with Manchester City’s club website, Summerbee said: “It was a shock, because I didn’t expect anything like that in my whole lifetime.

“It was something that when I found out about it, I just thought immediately about my family and what they would think and how pleased they would be.

“It is indeed an honour to be in the Queen’s honours list.”

Since retiring, Summerbee has gone on to serve as a club ambassador for City, and is an active campaigner for Prostate Cancer UK following his recovery from the disease.

He also supports a specialist cancer treatment centre in Manchester, Christie Hospice.

The honours list, released on Wednesday evening to coincide with the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations, also included Swindon swimming champion Hannah Miley, who was awarded an MBE.

Meanwhile, volunteer Norman Edwards, who set up a group to ensure care home residents are not lonely, and GWR project manager Joan Hartley, were also awarded MBEs.

Paying tribute to Summerbee, Swindon Town FC said: “Everyone at Swindon Town Football Club is incredibly proud of the achievements Mike has been recognised for, and we are delighted that he has been awarded an OBE for his incredible services on and off the pitch.”

Meanwhile, Manchester City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak also hailed the star.

He said: "We are all absolutely delighted that Mike has been awarded an OBE.

“It is such richly deserved recognition for his immense contribution to the game both as a player and as an ambassador.

“But most importantly, it is a recognition of his selfless and enduring commitment to charitable causes and to the many communities he works on behalf of.

“Mike still contributes so much to the City family and I know that today the City family couldn’t be prouder of him or more pleased for him."