Paul Cotgrove, Director of The White Bus and founder of Southend-on-Sea Film Festival and Horror-on-Sea Film Festival has been recognised in the King's Birthday Honours List 2025.

He is to receive a Medal of the Order of the British Empire (BEM) for his services to Film and British Film Heritage.  Paul has a passion for film and has worked hard to encourage and help filmmakers throughout the years, sharing his vast knowledge and experience particularly through Southend-on-Sea and Horror-on-Sea Film Festivals.

It is a well deserved honour that his work and dedication has been recognised.​