COLLEGE board member Ken Handley will be well known to future generations of students.

Mr Handley, 83, who received an MBE in the New Year's Honours List, has had a room named after him in the new drama suite at Bishop Auckland College.

The distinction recognises his 50 years of dedication to the college, during which he has never missed a meeting.

Mr Handley started in 1950 as a co-opted member of the board and has served as chairman for six years and vice-chairman twice for eight and seven-year periods.

College principal Joanna Tait said: "We all felt that Ken richly deserved an MBE, and as a college we decided to name the new suite after him, thereby ensuring he will always be remembered.