THE Queen has recognised a Hutton man alongside such famous faces as Rod Stewart, Hugh Laurie and Steven Gerrard in the New Year's Honours list. John Chatburn, a foundation governor at Hutton Primary School and former parish councillor, has been given an

THE Queen has recognised a Hutton man alongside such famous faces as Rod Stewart, Hugh Laurie and Steven Gerrard in the New Year's Honours list.John Chatburn, a foundation governor at Hutton Primary School and former parish councillor, has been given an MBE for his services to the community after being nominated by the people of the village.John, who will be 65-years-old this month, was notified of the honour in a letter sent to him from 10 Downing Street on behalf of the Queen. He said: "I read the letter several times to make sure it was for me. It was a wonderful surprise and something I never expected."The letter came on November 14, but I was informed that I was to keep the matter confidential until the honours had been officially announced the day before New Year's Eve."John has lived in the same house in Church Lane, Hutton for 41 years, during which time he has been involved in almost every aspect of the village, from fund-raising to council duties and is currently a verger at St Mary's Church. Andrew Basterfield, Hutton Parish Council clerk, said: "It's long overdue and richly deserved. He does everything in the village. He was a councillor and he's attached to the school. He's very highly thought of."When asked if he will be using the letters after his name, John said: "I haven't really thought about it. I may use the title for some things when appropriate, but I think I need to get used to it first. I still can't believe I have had such a wonderful honour. I am happy to have served the people of Hutton and I hope to continue to do so for many years to come."* A WRINGTON man has been awarded an MBE for his service to the village and for helping people with disabilities.Richard Thorn of Orchard Close, was given the honour from the Prince of Wales at Buckingham Palace on December 14, recognising his commitment to the village and helping others. Richard is best known for producing the village's very first website, which now receives nearly 2,000 hits a month. For the last 20 years he has also presented a weekly show for people with disabilities for BBC Radio Bristol.Villagers and his peers nominated the webmaster, who was shocked and humbled to be receiving his accolade.He joked: "When I received the letter from 10 Downing Street, I thought they wanted me to join their party."The honour means an awful lot because I know there are people who do more than me. The acknowledgement by your peers is about the most worthwhile compliment you can ever have.