A TEST pilot from Whalley has been made an MBE in the Queen's birthday honours.

Peter 'Wizzer' Wilson was one of just four involved with the first trials of the F-35 Lightning II.

He said: "It is a real honour to be recognised for a career which given me some amazing memories which I will never forget."

Peter, who now lives in Maryland, has been with BAE Systems since 2000, after eight years with the Fleet Air Arm.

The trials saw him and a BAE team carry out numerous take-offs and landings from the carrier off the east coast of the United States, including the first shipborne rolling vertical landing undertaken by the F-35.

'He has also flown a wide range of aircraft including the Harrier, which used the same short take-off vertical landing technology as today's F-35.

Peter added: "Being involved in supporting the UK to bring together the F-35 with its next generation aircraft carriers last year was one of the highlights which will live we me forever.

"It was fantastic to be involved alongside so many amazing people, particularly those from BAE Systems, as we progressed towards delivering an amazing capability protecting the interests of our nation."