JOHN Barnett, chairman of local radio station The Wave, said he was "surprised and honoured" to be one of a number of Fylde folk awarded an MBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours.

Mr Barnett, pictured here in the studio, received the award for services to radio broadcasting, and said he dedicated it to his wife Danielle and family, the people of Blackpool and staff at the radio station.

"I am extremely proud. It was a complete surprise and a great honour to be told I was to receive the award," he added.

"At the start it seemed like just me and a small team were running the station. I am proud to see The Wave going from strength to strength."

John, who was born and raised in Blackpool, obtained the licence for the station in 1992 and it has since won several radio awards for its programmes. In addition to his radio commitments Mr Barnett is also a director and past chairman of the Blackpool Town Centre Forum, a director of Blackpool Challenge Partnership and a member of Blackpool Safety Partnership.

He has also worked hard to raise money for numerous local charities including the Macmillan Windmill Appeal.

John, who is 50, is married with four children.

Good work for the community also won MBEs for five other people in the Fylde.

Linda Tolson, a long time supporter of the Blackpool Grand Theatre who helped save it from closure in the 1970s was recognised as was Marcus Hill, aged 58, of Moreton Drive, Staining, who helped design a new community centre in the village.

May Bamber, of Westby Street, Lytham, who is a founder member of the Lytham branch of the Cancer Research Campaign.

Historian Alan Ashton was granted an MBE for his work in preserving Lytham's heritage while Jeffrey Trembles received an MBE for services to the community.