Peter Middleton was hailed for his bravery

A bus worker injured as the Tottenham riots took hold, then set an “outstanding example” by directing buses away from the unrest, has been made an MBE in the Queen’s birthday honours list.

Peter Middleton, 51, an area controller for Arriva based at its depot in Philip Lane, South Tottenham, will be awarded the gong for going above and beyond the call of duty.

Mr Middleton was injured as the riots escalated on August 6 last year, a Transport for London (TfL) spokesman said.

He added: “Despite this, he returned to Arriva’s Tottenham bus garage where he took charge and organised other controllers in moving buses away from the disturbances as they spread, while keeping the bus services running.

“He set an outstanding example and performed a crucial role in a very challenging situation, putting himself at risk to ensure the safety of others.”

Mr Middleton, who has worked for Arriva for 29 years and lives in Leyton, Waltham Forest, said: “It is a real honour to receive this award. I really feel that I am accepting this for all my colleagues who were working that evening.”

TfL commissioner Peter Hendy called the honour “well-deserved”, adding: “I am proud beyond measure of the staff of TfL and our contractors who maintained our services through the worst civil disturbances in living memory.

“They demonstrated courage and professionalism, and through determination and bravery, they managed to keep the city moving and our users safe. TfL and London carried on because of [these] heroic actions.”