IT is all very well being modest but when it comes to patting ourselves on the back East Lancashire is falling behind the rest of the country.

Lancashire currently receives a lower than average number of OBEs, CBEs or even Dame and Knighthoods per head for its its population.

And the situation has become so concerning, the county’s Queen’s representative Lord-Lieutenant Shuttleworth, is urging more people to nominate local heroes for national honours.

Congratulating and thanking ‘Good Samaritans’ and community champions is something we must embrace.

Honours can be awarded for making a difference to their community or field of work, enhancing Britain’s reputation, long-term voluntary service, innovation and entrepreneurship, improving life for people less able to help themselves and displaying moral courage.

East Lancashire boasts hundreds of people with these qualities and we should be shouting about their achievements from the roof tops.

The Lancashire Telegraph will be supporting Blackburn with Darwen Council’s ‘Good Neighbours’ awards.

We should take this example and nominate all those that improve our lives.