AN ATHERTON schoolboy's Army dream has led to a top honour in the Queen's Birthday awards.

Sgt Malcolm James Hadden, 41, Corporal of the Horse with the Lifeguards (pictured) has been made a Member of the British Empire.

And a local headmaster and a former Leigh vicar have also been honoured.

John MacManus, from Highfield Special School, Mosley Common, has gained an OBE. He said he hoped the award highlighted the work done for young people with emotional and behavioural problems.

Canon Donald Gray gained a CBE for his services to the Speaker of the House of Commons.

Canon Gray has been Speaker's Chaplian since 1987. A fomer Vicar of St Peter's, Westleigh, and curate at Leigh Parish Church, he is now Canon of Westminster and Rector of St Margaret's Westminster Abbey.

Sgt Hadden is a former Hesketh Fletcher schoolboy was a member of the local Army Cadet Corps. After expressing an interest in the Army at school he went on a three-day sampler course with schoolmates and joined-up at 15.

After 22 years as a regular he signed-on for a further 15 years. His job has taken him around the world organising and participating in ceremonial parades for world Heads of State.

Sgt Hadden, who lives in Essex, is the elder son of Mr James and the late Mrs Greeba Hadden. He has two sisters, Ailsa and Aileen, and a brother, Andrew.

Proud dad said: "We are all thrilled at this honour."

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