A LIVESAVING special constable who has served for nearly half a century is among the Bolton residents recognised in the Queen's Birthday Honours list.

Linden Riley, aged 68, was awarded the British Empire Medal for his dedication to Bolton police for 47 years.

Others to be awarded include Jack Hatch, a long serving headteacher at St Bede CE Academy, and Margaret Brockie, from the Riding for the Disabled Association.

Mr Riley, a retired engineer and photographer, is the longest serving special constable across Greater Manchester, and has saved two people's lives while on duty.

The Bolton man came to the aid of a woman in the 1970s who was struggling for breath, and also helped a two-year-old girl who was choking. In addition, Mr Riley was awarded the Chief Constable's Excellence Award for Volunteer of the Year in 2012.

Mr Riley said: "I was overcome when I found out about the award. I have had a few awards over the years but this is the biggest one I have ever had."

Mr Riley, who says he has no intention of calling it a day just yet, continues to work at events in Bolton such as Remembrance Sunday and in helping prepare for the policing of major events in Manchester city centre.

It is not his first brush with the Royal family — he was invited to the Queen’s garden party at Buckingham Palace in 2010 in recognition of his voluntary work.

Joining Mr Riley in being recognised by the Monarch is Jack Hatch, who has been headteacher of St Bede CE Academy in Morris Green since 1992.

Mr Hatch, who has been given an OBE, has led the school to being rated as outstanding in its latest Oftsed report.

The Morris Green Lane school was recognised by former schools minister David Laws for being among the top schools in the country for helping pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds, and was described as a "hero" by Conservative politician Liz Truss for helping to set up childcare from 7am and up to 6pm.

On receiving the award, Mr Hatch, aged 67, said: "I was quite shocked, but very pleased, it is perhaps the crowning glory of my career. It is something that makes you feel very humble. I have had a really rewarding career, but I also want to thank all the people who haven't been given an award."

Margaret Brockie, chairman of the Riding for the Disabled Association, received the MBE in the honours list. She also served as secretary for St Michael with St Bartholomew Church in Great Lever for 30 years and on the board of governors at St Michael's Primary School.

She has also recently been presented with an award from Princess Anne for her long service in helping disabled people get into carriage driving.

Miss Brockie, aged 71, of Bishops Road, Great Lever, said: "I feel very honoured to have been given this award."

Also receiving an MBE was Roger Speare, chairman of the Emmaus Bolton charity, which supports homeless people in Bolton.

Also recognised in the honours list was Carol Atkinson, a church warden at St James CE Church in Breightmet, who was awarded an MBE for services to the community.

Also awarded an MBE was Jean Simpson, of Sheaf Field Walk, Radcliffe, for services to athletics.

Joan Collins, John Hurt and Esther Rantzen were also included in the Honours list campaigners to be awarded New Year Honours alongside Gavin and Stacey actors – James Corden and Sheridan Smith.