ANIMATOR Nick Park will make sure he doesn't wear the wrong trousers when he goes to Buckingham Palace to pick up his latest honour.

The former Preston College student, famous for cuddly creations Wallace and Gromit, was awarded a CBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours List.

It is just another notch on the belt for the 39-year-old who was recently given the Freedom of Preston Borough and has three Oscars to his name.

The unexpected honour has made parents Roger and Celia, who still live in Walmer Bridge, very proud: "It's the last thing he expected so he's over the moon," said mum Celia and she joked: "All his awards are safe at the studios. If he took them all home he wouldn't be able to open the door."

Nick, who now lives and works in Bristol, will attend the presentation in London alongside other recipients including Chorley-based probation officer Jean McEvoy who was awarded the MBE.

Jean was nominated by former colleagues at Preston Prison for her counselling skills and approach to inmates.

Her career in the probation service spans 20 years.

Jean, who lives in Newton-le-Willows, said: "I feel proud and humble at the same time.'

Other people honoured included the Deputy Chief Constable of Lancashire Constabulary Gerald O'Connell, who received the Queen's Police Medal.

Lancashire Fire Service's principal fire control officer Susan Parke-Hatton, of Broughton, was awarded the MBE along with Edith Crook who works for North British Housing Association.

Pro-vice Chancellor at the University of Central Lancashire Professor Margaret MacKeith got a CBE for 22 years work in education.

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