AMONG those recognised in this year's Birthday Honours was former Assistant Chief Fire Officer for Cumbria, Paul Hancock.

Mr Hancock was honoured with the Queen’s Fire Service Medal (QFSM), awarded to members of the fire services for distinguished service or gallantry.

He said: “I feel very honoured and it is a great privilege which reflects the hard work of firefighters and support staff, and recognises the commitment across the Service.”

Mr Hancock joined Cumbria Fire Service in 1985 and served in a variety of operational and technical roles, including Station and Divisional Command and Assistant Chief Fire Officer with responsibility for Community Risk Management, ICT and Business Continuity.

He is also the Project Director and Executive Director for North West Fire Control and is the Vice President Elect of the Chief Fire Officers Association.

Another Cumbrian resident to be recognised was the general manager of Cockermouth’s Kirkgate Arts received an MBE for services to the community.

Kate Parry has been nominated by the organisation Locality, a network for community led organisations, and was supported by the Board of Directors at the Kirkgate, where she has worked for the last eight years.

She said: “I never imagined I would get an MBE, but I am so delighted and humbled to accept it.

“I have only lived in Cockermouth for the last 15 years, so although I am not born and bred here it is where I very much want to be.

“Cockermouth is a fantastic place, not least because of the wonderful people who live here.”