Trust Ahmed

Mr Jama, pictured, who is responsible for hotel services at the Trust, has worked for the NHS for 38 years. His department provides meals for 2,000 staff and patients every day.

He said: "I am utterly thrilled to receive this award, not only for myself but for the entire hotel services staff.

"It would not have been possible without their dedication and commitment and our belief that we can compete against the best.

Mr Jama, who comes from Aden, joined the NHS in Preston as a cook. He became catering manager for the Royal Preston Hospital and Sharoe Green Hospital and has subsequently been promoted to assistant director of Estate and Facilities (Hotel Services).

Jeff Moore, chief executive of the Preston, Chorley and South Ribble Trust, said: "Ahmed's vision has enabled him to create a centre of catering excellence which has achieved the development of restaurants on both hospital sites for public, private and hospital use. This year the catering service at Royal Preston Hospital was awarded a government Charter Mark, reflecting the high standards set by Ahmed."

Other honours go to former chief fire officer for Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service, Gordon Russel QFSM, who is awarded the CBE, for services to the fire service.

Deputy chief fire officer for Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service, Graham Thompson, who is awarded the Queens Fire Service Medal.

Former Preston Grammar School pupil and justice of the peace Alan Jones gets an MBE for services to the community, particularly in sport.

Former Ashton High School teacher Audrey King is awarded an MBE for services to the community of Penwortham, including fund-raising for St Catherine's Hospice, Lostock Hall.

Health promotions manager for North West Lancashire and executive member of the Preston and Western Lancashire Racial Equality Council, Gulab Singh, receives an MBE for services to the NHS and the ethnic community.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.