THE chief executive of Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre Hospitals NHS Trust has been awarded a CBE in the New Years Honours.

Roy Male, 54, was given the award in recognition of his services to the NHS.

Mr Male has worked in the NHS for more than 30 years, starting as a graduate trainee in 1970. After working in Liverpool, Norfolk and Cambridge, Mr Male took up his current chief executive post in September 2002.

His career has also included becoming national chairman of the Association of Health Service Personnel Officers.

Mr Male, who is married with one son and lives in St Annes, said: "I am delighted, honoured and surprised by this award and see it as a tribute to all of the people I have been fortunate enough to have worked with during my 32 years in the NHS."