COUNTY Durham car park attendant Joe Byrne had a rare day off last week - to collect a very special honour from the Queen.

The 56-year-old, from Ferryhill, received an MBE for the tireless work he has put in patrolling the car park of Durham's Jobcentre.

He has not had one day off due to sickness in 18 years and his devotion to duty is just one of the reasons he was bestowed with the honour, on Wednesday.

Mr Byrne was joined at Buckingham Palace by his wife Maureen and sister-in-law Pat.

Mrs Byrne said: "I was over the moon for Joe when we found out about this and was really excited when we went down to London."

Mr Byrne was back at work the day after receiving his honour and does not intend to take any more time off in the future.

"It was great going to London, but I love going to work every day and I really enjoy my job," he said.

"Parking is a bit of an issue in Durham and I like to be around to help people when I can or explain to them as politely as possible why I can't."

Employment Service regional director Vincent Robinson added: "It is wonderful that his devotion to duty and the way he carries out his work has been recognised at the highest level possible."