MAY I please use these columns of your newspaper to thank everyone locally for their most positive response to my recent knighthood. We received over 250 expressions of congratulations and at times our house seemed like a little corner of Kew gardens!

To receive the accolade of a knighthood for my services to local government in Lancashire makes me feel both proud and humble. I feel very much that it's an honour also for the citizens, council members and staff at Blackburn with Darwen Council and many others across the county.

So many folk have taken the time to tell me how they share in that sense of pride with me. Our invitation to the Palace was a profound and poignant occasion.

To be nominated for such an honour is now a much more transparent and accessible process. Forms can be obtained from www.cabinet-office.gov.uk/ceremonial/index.htm

I would urge people to consider nominating anyone thought worthy of such an honour.

SIR BILL TAYLOR,

Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council leader.