THE former Lord Mayor and chief executive of the Spitalfields development group has been knighted by the Queen.

Michael Bear, who lives in Finchley, received the knighthood in the New Year Honours list for services to regeneration, charity and the City of London.

Sir Michael was chief executive of the Spitalfields development group which helped to regenerate the area over the past 20 years.

He later became the first Lord Mayor from both a property and engineering background when served the City of London last year.

Sir Michael said: “I feel greatly honoured and would like to thank my wife Barbara, our family, and all those many friends and colleagues for the immense support given me.

“As an engineer you have a great chance to make a tangible difference to people’s lives and create prosperity, growth and jobs – and I would encourage any young person to take up the profession —it will take you around the world.”