LANCASHIRE County Councillor Bernard Dawson is one of several local politicians to receive an MBE for public services in this year's Queen's Birthday Honours List.

Councillor Dawson, Labour, has served on the county council since 2013 and had previously served on Hyndburn District Council for 38 years representing the Peel ward, holding the position of Mayor of the Borough of Hyndburn in 1999/2000, before retiring in 2018.

In recognition of his services, Councillor Dawson was nominated to be an honorary freeman of the borough of Hyndburn in 2018, receiving the award in June of that year.

The freedom of the borough is the highest award that the council can bestow and is given to local people who have rendered eminent services to the area.

He has also served as chair of Hyndburn Borough Council planning committee and currently represents the County Council’s Accrington South division.