ONE of Lancashire’s tops chefs is among those celebrated in the Queen’s Birthday honours.

Paul Heathcote, who runs the Olive Press in Clitheroe and used to own The Longridge Restaurant, has been awarded the MBE for services to the hospitality industry in the north west.

Across East Lancashire community champions, members of the police and volunteers were honoured.

Mr Heathcote said he thought it was a joke when he first opened the letter.

“My immediate reaction was someone is having me on,” he said. “I was very surprised.

“I’ve not had a date to go the Palace yet. I will have to check my diary when it arrives and see if I can make it.

“When I came back to the North West 20 years ago things in the catering industry were very different.

“It has changed a lot since then and I am proud to have been recognised as a part of that.”

Judith Smith, 62, of Langham Road, Blackburn, also received an MBE in recognition of her work at the Revidge Community Association.

The community association was formed in 2000 after Judith became fed up with the anti-social behaviour that was blighting the area.

She said that since then the problem has improved greatly, and young people in the area are now reaching their potential.

Judith said: “I am thrilled to bits to have been honoured. It is such a great privilege.

"I don’t know what I have done to deserve it, but I am pleased that it highlights the brilliant work volunteers do all over the country.

“At the Revidge Community Association we have lots of fantastic volunteers who do work that often goes unnoticed.”

Peter Robinson, of Shays Drive, Clitheroe, received an OBE for his work with businesses and the community in East Lancashire.

Mr Robinson set up the Blackburn Partnership and is now involved in forming the Community Foundation for Lancashire, which aims to raise £50million for local charities. He was also High Sheriff of Lancashire in 2006.

He said: “My reaction when I opened the letter was goodness gracious me. It was completely out of the blue.

“You soon realise what a great honour it is though.

"I only took a break from banking for three years to start the Blackburn Partnership, but I ended up never going back.

“I have a passion for people and love Lancashire so have really enjoyed what I’ve been doing.”

Maurice Duckworth, of Burnley, a special inspector at Lancashire Constabulary, received the OBE for voluntary service to the police.

Dr Kathryn Mashiter, a scientific support manager for the police, received the MBE, as did Margaret Rushton, of Chorley, a community crime prevention officer.

Mrs Rushton said: “It came as a massive surprise to me.

“My husband and two sons are very proud of me and it is so wonderful to feel appreciated for the work you put in.

“I certainly did not expect to receive an MBE for doing my job, but it is fantastic.”

Burnley Job Centre Plus worker Pauline Stuttard, 61, of Hollins Avenue, Cliviger, received an MBE for helping people who have been off sick back into work for a special project.

She said: “It is a fantastic project that has been running for around three years and it has helped so many people across East Lancashire get back intowork.”

Alan Rowntree, of Clitheroe, has also been awarded an MBE for voluntary service to Blackburn Cathedral and to the community in East Lancashire.

Blackpool-based theatre producer Duggie Chapman, who stages shows in Blackburn, received an MBE for services to light entertainment and charity.