TWO East Lancashire exiles have received surprise MBEs from the Queen. But former Darwen Grammar School pupil Gerald James Swires and ex-Moorland High School student Neil David Wright have no idea who nominated them.

They were told six weeks ago they were up for the award in the Queen's Birthday Honours but had to keep quiet until last Saturday.

Both are awaiting confirmation of when they will visit Buckingham Palace to receive the MBE.

Gerald Swires, 59, now of Sale, Cheshire, was nominated for his 42 years service for the Inland Revenue, which will end in September with retirement.

His wife Kathleen said: "He was absolutely stunned but understandably delighted when told. He feels someone from the Inland Revenue in London may have nominated him."

Neil Wright, 36, now of Somerset, has been nominated for his services to the Navy since he signed as an 18 year-old, fresh from A-levels at Moorland.

He is currently on a ship sailing through the Mediterranean to a reunion with his wife and daughters, aged seven and two.

His mum, Joyce 63, of Norris Street, Darwen, said: "We have no idea who nominated him, but we think it's because of his work in the last three years with Harrier planes."