A TEACHER awarded the MBE in the New Year Honours gave the profession a welcome boost when he declared: "I look forward to going into work every day."

Brian Souter, deputy head at Southlands High School, Clover Road, Chorley, was honoured by the Queen for his life-long commitment to the education of the town's children and will receive his medal at a ceremony at Buckingham Palace later this year.

Mr Souter, 52, has spent 30 years teaching at Southlands as well as being involved in many other extra curricular activities and innovations at the school to help pupils gain as wide a range of experience as possible.

The award came after a traumatic year for teaching, with heads throughout East Lancashire claiming the government was forcing people out of the profession with its demands.

But the father-of-two, from Edenfield, said: "There has not once been a morning in the past thirty years when I have thought 'oh no, I've got to go to work'. I have always enjoyed my job.

"I was aware on November 10 last year that I had been nominated but I could not tell anyone other than my wife Myra. "I am obviously very pleased, humbled and proud to receive the award. I am surprised that someone has taken the time to nominate me which is an arduous thing to do."

Mr Souter began teaching at Southlands in 1972 -- the first year the school became a comprehensive -- after having spent one year teaching in Bolton.

He first taught history but then turned his hand to economics and law and in all has taught eight different subjects at the school.

He said: "I think I have been nominated because of a commitment to education, to the children of the school, their parents and to the town as well."

Mr Souter has helped Southlands' pupils gain new experiences through summer schools, entering competitions and teaching new subjects.

He added that he was not too comfortable with the attention the award has brought him.

Lancashire County Councillor Alan Whittaker, cabinet member for education and young people -- and a Chorley borough councillor -- said: "This is wonderful news. I know Brian well and so can say that this recognition for all the work he has done in the school and in the wider community is well deserved."

Mr Souter, who has two children Shelley, 25, and Graeme, 21, will attend the presentation ceremony with his wife. He joked: "I will have to buy a new suit!"