TWO men whose efforts were recognised in the New Year Honours have been presented with their awards.

Dennis Rowland, of New Brancepeth, travelled to Buckingham Palace to receive his MBE, awarded in recognition of years spent running activities for youngsters.

Meanwhile, Reg Wall - chairman of the governors at Wellfield Comprehensive School in Wingate - was given his MBE for helping both young and old by Lord Lieutenant of Durham Sir Paul Nicholson.

Dennis Rowland, 56, was shocked to hear he had been nominated for an MBE in the New Year honours.

Mr Rowland's name was put forward forward to mark 43 years with the Army Cadet detachment at Ushaw Moor, near Durham, and 30 years helping to run the Revellers juvenile marching display jazz band, in nearby New Brancepeth.

Mr Rowland, 56, travelled with wife Pauline, daughter Sharon and son Kevin to the recent investiture.

He said the Queen told him that she understood he had "a band".

"I told her I was asked to help to take it on for a month and I've ended up being involved for 30 years. In fact, I suppose I'll be there until it folds, or I fold.

"As for the cadets, because I'm over 55 they have to decide every year at my birthday if they want to keep me on."

Under Mr Wall's leadership, both Wellfield Comprehensive and Hutton Henry Primary Schools have gone from strength to strength.

Chairman of governors at Wellfield school for more than a decade, Mr Wall guided it from a split site to a modern place of learning.

When he took over at Hutton Henry Primary, a lack of space meant the school hall had to double as a classroom and dining area. But, under his guidance the governing body raised enough sponsorship to build and furnish an extra classroom.

And as well as being a parish councillor, Mr Wall is also assistant organist at St Francis Church in Hutton Henry and has served on the Parochial Church Council since 1987.

Mr Wall said yesterday: "I feel very humble to have been considered for this honour and I am obviously delighted to have received the award.''

He also thanked all those who had worked alongside him to secure the many achievements.