Darlington-born Robert Raine is celebrating being awarded a CBE in the New Year's Honours list.
Mr Raine received his award for his part in the organisation of last year's Commonwealth Games, which were held in Manchester.
The 46-year-old grew up in Darlington, where he attended Reid Street School, Queen Elizabeth Grammar School and the sixth form college.
He joined the Civil Service on graduating from Leeds University.
Last year he headed the development committee for the Commonwealth Games.
He carried the Queen's Jubilee Baton through Durham and made a speech on its arrival in Darlington.
The father-of-three lives in St Albans, in Hertfordshire, but his parents, Stanley and Alice Raine, still live in Darlington.
His father said: "We are all very proud of him and he is very pleased indeed, because it is quite an honour."
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