A Newton Aycliffe practice manager has received the OBE for a lifetime of service to the armed forces.

David Lowe, manager of the Pease Way Medical Centre, in Newton Aycliffe, spent 39 years in the Army Medical Service.

The 54-year-old, who lives in Darlington, spent 27 years as a regular and the last 12 years in the Territorial Army.

Mr Lowe, who has two sons, was awarded the OBE in the Queen's New Year Honours List.

He said: "The director general says it's a public appreciation of all those years, but I think it's more specifically for my service in the TA and in particular my last four years in command of the 25th Field Ambulance in Sunderland.

"I didn't believe it when I heard the news. I was shocked, but it was a delightful shock when I eventually settled down and realised what it meant. I've got to give credit to other people. An OBE is a shared award and this is for a team effort."

He paid tribute to his colleagues in Sunderland, the support from the Reserve Services and Cadets Association in Durham and the 15 Brigade at York.

He said: "I feel quite humble that I've received it because so many people have done so much work."