TWO East Lancashire parents who turned tragedy into campaigns to help others have been recognised in the New Year’s Honours.

John Clough, whose daughter Jane was murdered by her ex-partner in 2010, received the MBE for his work tackling stalking and domestic abuse.

Mel Goodship, who lost her teenage son James in a drowning accident in 2014, was given the same award for ‘services to educating young people on the dangers of open water’.

Mr Clough’s wife Penny was also given the MBE in 2012 for the couple’s successful campaign to change the law to allow prosecutors to challenge the granting of bail.

Jane’s killer Jonathan Vass was on bail accused of raping her when he committed the murder.

Both Mr Clough and Ms Goodship said the award of the MBE was ‘bitter sweet’ and pledged to continue their work in their children’s memories.

Former East Lancashire health boss Ian Woolley, 86, also received the MBE while June Steele, 79, was awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) for services to netball and the community in Blackburn and Darwen.

Great Harwood-born Susan Scurlock, founder and chief executive of Burnley-based education provider Primary Engineer, receives an MBE.

British Transport Police officer PC Mark Renshaw, a fellow Blackburn resident, who was one of the first on the scene of the May 2017 Manchester Arena bombing, is awarded the BEM.

Others honoured include former England rugby union captain Bill Beaumont, who runs a textile business in Chorley, given a knighthood; ex-chairman of the Lancashire Enterprise Partnership and grocery chain boss Edwin John Booth made a CBE; and former deputy chief constable of Lancashire Police Adrian McAllister who receives the OBE.

Longridge resident and family liaison leader for Greater Manchester Police Teresa Christine Lam was awarded the BEM for her work in the wake of the Manchester Arena bombing.

Mr Woolley - the former chairman of Blackburn, Hyndburn and Ribble Valley Health Authority and Healthcare NHS Trust and current chair of Age UK Blackburn with Darwen, said: “I am absolutely delighted.”

Mr Clough, 58, from Stone Croft in Higherford and his wife Penny co-founded Justice For Jane, a charity working for victims’ rights and protection, and helped create Jane’s Place, a refuge for women and children at risk of domestic abuse with complex needs.

Mr Clough said: “I was humbled and surprised. I am pleased and hopefully it will help us with our work to make sure no other family suffers like we have and no other young woman has to go through what Jane did.

“It is bitter sweet. We would both rather be anonymous and have our family still intact.”

Ms Goodship, 44, from Langroyd Road, Colne, has worked since 2014 with the Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service and the Canal and River Trust to raise awareness of the dangers of open water since her 17-year-old son James drowned in June 2014 after getting into difficulty while swimming with friends in Foulridge Reservoir near Colne.

In 2015, she collaborated on a video called Dying for a Dip – James’ Story, now used by fire services, schools and colleges nationally.

Ms Goodship said: “I was shocked when I found out. Obviously, the award is bitter sweet as the ward is for raising awareness of the dangers of open water which I do because I lost my son in 2014.

“I would turn down any award if I could get him back. I am accepting this MBE in memory of James. Hopefully it will give me a platform to raise awareness of the dangers of open water so other parents do no lose their children in this way.”

Billinge, Blackburn, resident Mr Woolley - a former magistrate, chair of Westholme School and chairman of Blackburn Civic Society - said: "I am absolutely delighted and feel extremely honoured.

"I have been extremely fortunate over many years to work with superb teams of dedicated people in every organisation in which I have been involved.”

Mrs Steele, from Mellor Brook, was a founder member of Blackburn with Darwen Sports Council in 1966 and remains its treasurer.

In the early 1960s, she played netball at county level and then became a netball coach and administrator.

Former probation officer Mrs Steele said: “I thought it was a joke. There are dozens and dozens of people involved in sport out there who deserve an award.

"I am stunned but pleased. I’ve had a great life through sport.

“I got some young offenders involved in sport and it really helped them get engaged in society. I believe a healthy body means a healthy mind.”