Community figures among Lancastrians on New Year Honours list

Lancastrians who have made a meaningful impact on offender rehabilitation, further education and sustainability are among those included in the 2024 New Year Honours List.

Alasdair Jackson (pictured), the chief executive of Recycling Lives which puts a particular emphasis on providing opportunities for individuals leaving prison, has been honoured with an OBE for services to the rehabilitation of offenders.

Andrew Pollock, the founder of the CLEVR Money credit union which helps residents across Blackpool, Fylde, Wyre, Preston and Lancaster to avoid bad debt, has received an MBE for services to financial inclusion.

Chorley born rugby star Sir Bill Beaumont has received the highest award - the Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the British Empire (GBE). He was captain of the England team and capped 34 times. He currently serves as the chairman of World Rugby. Closer to home, he is the chairman of Trinity Hospice. His honour recognises his contributions to both charity and his sport.

Burnley's John Norris, managing director of B&M Longworth has received an MBE for services to innovation, sustainability and international trade.

Among his many achievements is his self-funded development of technology which turns common waste materials, such as carbon fibre composites, fast fashion garments, sanitary products and PPE, back into recoverable materials.

David Short, group technology director of BAE Systems, has received an MBE for services to military capability. He has played a leading role in the development of the  Tornado and Typhoon and was the organisation's chief engineer for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter. He is also a trustee of the Engineering Council.

Antony Lockley, director of strategy and assistant chief executive at Blackpool Council, has been awarded an OBE for his services to local government. 

He has taken a leading role in developing Blackpool’s Levelling Up pilot partnership with Central Government over the past two years, attracting more than £100m in regeneration funding for the town. He is also a member of the core team that recently secured a devolution deal for Lancashire. 

Christine Kenyon, one of Nelson and Colne College Group’s (NCCG) governors,  received an MBE for services to further education. In her 35 year career she has also held senior roles at Blackburn College and Runshaw College.

She has helped devise and implement Employer Partnership Strategies, enabling as students to access extended and meaningful work placements to broaden their skills and prepare them for work. She was also instrumental in the national launch of T Levels, using her experience to shape strategies to encourage employers to engage in the development of the new flagship technical qualification.