RESIDENTS have been celebrating members of the community who have been awarded in this year's Queen's Birthday Honours.

Nigel Wilkinson, managing director of Windermere Lake Cruises Limited, has been recognised with an MBE in the Queen’s Birthday 2022 Honours List.

The MBE has been awarded for services to tourism and the economy in Cumbria.

“I’m truly delighted to receive the honour of Member of the Order of the British Empire,” said Mr Wilkinson, who has been managing director of Windermere Lake Cruises Limited since 2004.

READ MORE: Queen's Birthday Honours: MBE for ‘leading light’ in Lake District’s tourism industry

Mr Wilkinson has championed the sustainable development of the visitor economy across the Lake District and Cumbria for many years.

He served as a director of Cumbria Tourism for almost ten years, prior to his retirement from the board in 2017.

Residents took to social media to send their congratulations to Mr Wilkinson.

Joanne Hunter said: "Fabulous news! Well deserved - you do a fantastic job Nigel."

Adrian Faulkner said: "Congratulations Nigel from myself and the members of the Windermere and Bowness Chamber of Trade."

Victoria Sedgwick said: "Wonderful to read this. Congratulations, very well deserved."

Chris Gabbott said: "Majestic congratulations to you Nigel. Extremely well deserved."

Karen Merckel said: "Congratulations & well deserved for all your hard work and dedication."

Dan Mcvey said: "Sincere congratulations Nigel well deserved."

Colin Monk said: "Wow congrats Nigel I can’t think of a more worthy gentleman."

David Hodgkinson said: "Congratulations Nigel well deserved."

Lorraine Brierley said: "Nice one Nigel"

Joseph Pattinson said: "Congratulations Nigel! Well deserved!"

Michael Olsen said: 2Congratulations Nigel, well deserved  pure gentlemen."

Lesley Hornsby said: 2Congratulations Nigel. In Tourism in Cumbria say the name Nigel and no explanation as to which one is needed."

Sue Howorth said: "Fabulous news and so well deserved."

Maria Whitehead said: "Congratulations, fabulous and well deserved."

Lorna Joy Hodgkinson said: "Congratulations Nigel - a well-deserved honour."