WHEN Alan Reid joined Kaleidoscope Youth Club as a 16-year-old in 1982, he never thought he would still be there 20 years later as a volunteer.

Now his dedication has been rewarded with an MBE in the New Year's Honours -- where he is joined by local people ranging from a bus builder to a former headteacher.

Engineer Alan went on to join the committee of the club, in Manxman Road, Blackburn, which is funded by Blackburn with Darwen Council. When the chairman left in 1987, Alan applied for the post.

"I was voted in and have been there ever since," said 36-year-old Alan, of Chapter Road, Darwen.

He has seen the club move from its original base near the old Everton School, and fought closure when the school closed down.

His links with the club, now based at Longshaw Community Centre, led to him meeting the woman who became his wife, Karen, on a sailing trip.

Alan was stunned to learn that he had been nominated for the award.

"My honest initial reaction was: do I deserve it? It's really an award for all the people who have been involved over the years in the wellbeing of young people."

Philip Hilton earned his MBE for services to the bus industry. Joint managing director of East Lancashire Coachbuilders Ltd, Whitebirk industrial estate, Blackburn, he started his career at the company 42 years ago as an apprentice bus builder and worked his way up to the drawing office before becoming chief designer.

After a stint in charge of production, Mr Hilton, of Knowsley Road West, Wilpshire, became joint managing director this year. "I was a little shocked when I heard," he said. "It's a nice honour."

Alan David Thompson, lead court manager at Preston Combined Court, was awarded an MBE and Penelope Ann Hewitt, Senior District Judge, got a CBE. Ribble Valley MP Nigel Evans said it was a wonderful honour for two such dedicated people.

Peter Moores, the Lancashire-born philanthropist who has given more than £57million to benefit lives through the Peter Moores Foundation, has received a knighthood for his charitable services to the arts.

Sir Peter lives in Parbold and has provided funding for the River Darwen clean-up project.

Two men from The Queen's Lancashire Regiment were also awarded MBEs for their commitment and service. Major Mark Peter Kenyon and Sgt Major Brian Marshall will join the celebrated nominees later this year to receive their awards form the Queen.