Several people with links to Preston and surrounding areas feature in this year’s New Years Honours List.

Sir Bill Beaumont, the Chair of World Rugby who was born in Chorley, is awarded the Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the British Empire (GBE) – the highest class in many of the Orders – for his services to Rugby Union Football and charity.

Becoming Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) are UCLan PhD student Travis Frain, for services to counter extremism and victims of terrorism, and Recycling Lives Chief Executive Alasdair Jackson, for services to the rehabilitation of offenders.

Read more: 1,000 Royal Preston Hospital patients receive Christmas gift

Four local recipients are awarded the Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE).

Keith Ashcroft, who is a trustee at Hutton Grammar School and was most recently Area Director at the Environment Agency, is recognised for services to the environment.

Catherine Penny is honoured for services to Plant Heritage and the community in North Preston, while Operational Readiness Senior Officer at HM Revenue and Customs Yvonne Rawsthorne from Bamber Bridge is recognised for public service.

David Short, lately Group Technology Director at BAE Systems and previously based in Samlesbury, is honoured for services to military capability.

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