JOE Byrne may not have a university education, but can hold his own when dealing with judges, doctors, teachers and ordinary Joes.

The car park attendant has become a familiar sight to people entering the government buildings at Elvet House, in Durham City.

Today, his endearing and engaging manner and dedication to his work sees him awarded an MBE in the Queen's New Year Honours List.

Joe, 57, of Ferryhill, County Durham, said last night: "This is a great honour. I would never have dreamed that the day would come that I would get an award like this.

"When I got the letter I thought someone was having me on. I'm just a local fellow."

Joe, of Ferryhill, takes charge of security of the building and regulating access to a private car park used by government officials.

Joe said: "I have had dealings with many judges and doctors who have parked here over the years, and enjoy engaging them in conversation.

"Sometimes, when the car park is full, I get back-chat from some people, but I always believe in remaining courteous."

He added: "I thinks it is great that people in jobs like mine are able to get awards like this. This is not going to change me - I am too old to change. But I might get a new suit for my visit to the Queen."

Joe represents the dozens of unsung heroes rewarded in the New Year's Honours lists, including teachers, doctors and charity champions.

l A TOURISM guru last night dedicated his New Year honour to the "unseen hundreds" in the region who have turned it from a visitor backwater to a Mecca for tourists.

Bob Pendlebury receives the OBE today for a lifetime's work promoting tourism in Northumbria and the North-East in general.

As well as his work in tourism, the 74-year-old is also deputy leader of Durham County Council and deputy lieutenant of the county.

In his two decades on Northumbria Tourist Board - the last six as chairman - Mr Pendlebury has overseen a revolution in the region's image.

He said: "I look upon this honour as recognition of the importance of the work Northumbria Tourist Board have done and the importance of tourism as a wealth creator in the region.

"For years people just used the region as a means to get somewhere else, like York or Edinburgh.

"Now, people are coming here to see the beautiful scenery and the historical parts of the region.

"People used to say tourism wasn't a real job - not like working in a mine - but if we can get people and businesses to spend money and invest here then it will help regenerate the region.