Irene Hays has said she is "delighted" after she was officially made a Dame during a ceremony at Windsor Castle.
Dame Irene Hays CBE was formally made Dame Commander by Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal in a ceremony at Windsor Castle on Tuesday, November 23.
The owner of Hays Travel was officially listed on the roll of honour as receiving the award for 'Services to Training, to Education and to Young People'.
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Dame Irene has supported and championed young people throughout her career in the public, voluntary and private sectors.
Speaking afterwards, Dame Irene said: "I am delighted and proud to accept this honour on behalf of all of the apprentices and all of the trainers everywhere, especially at Hays Travel, where we have always supported and developed young people to be the best they can be and to get the most they can out of life.
"Young people have been the lifeblood of Hays Travel for over 40 years - and they are vital to our future."
Her husband and business partner John Hays sadly passed away on November 13, 2020, at the age of 71 after collapsing at the firm's head office in Sunderland "while doing the job he loved".
John went on to turn a business that started in his mum's kid's clothing shop in Seaham into the UK's biggest independent travel retailer.
Together the couple set up the Hays Travel Foundation in a bid to create opportunities for youngsters.
In 2008, Dame Irene received the title Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for services to local government.
Dame Irene was also previously Chief Executive of Sunderland City Council and South Tyneside Council and Director General of Local Government and Regeneration in Whitehall.
