IT was a family affair when health supremo Bill Ashworth was presented with his CBE medal at Buckingham Palace.

Mr Ashworth, chairman of East Lancashire Health Authority, was among those honoured in the Birthday Honours List.

He was accompanied to the palace by his wife Lesley and sons Martin and Nigel.

Retired district judge Mr Ashworth, 70, who lives in Barrowford, was chosen to spearhead healthcare in East Lancashire into the new Millennium after being reappointed as health authority chairman until March 2000.

Nelson-born Mr Ashworth was founder chairman of Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale Community Health Council and the North West Association of Community Health Councils.

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