A STALWART of the Bolton theatre world and a headteacher have been named in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list.

David Morlidge, a founding member of the Bolton Amateur Theatre Societies (BATS), has been awarded an MBE for services to the arts and the community in the town.

And Simon Bramwell, who lives in Westhoughton, received an OBE for education services in his 25th year as headteacher.

Mr Morlidge, aged 74, from Smithills, has been a prominent figure at Bolton Parish Church and various charities and theatre groups for several years.

Despite his long-term involvement, the award has come as an unexpected honour. The news landed on his doorstep just a week before his birthday.

He said: “What a birthday present! I’m used to not being at the front which makes something like this difficult.

“I feel very grateful to them and very humbled by it. I never thought in a million years that something like this would happen.

“I am proud of being part of the Bolton family. It is a great group of hundreds of people in the amateur dramatic world in Bolton and district and it is wonderful to be part of that.

“If it helps them it is worthwhile. If it heightens awareness of amateur dramatics in Bolton and the local arts scene, that is great.”

Born and bred in Bolton, the former chartered accountant has had a longstanding involvement in arts projects in Bolton from a young age. His father, Frank, was chairman of the Bolton Rose Queens for 33 years, a festival that has raised thousands of pounds, and David was often on hand to support his work.

There are more than 30 different theatre societies in Bolton and surrounding areas, and Mr Morlidge has been involved with many of them through the years.

As well as being a founding member of BATS — which represents and promotes societies in the district — he was one of a group of friends who formed the Phoenix Theatre Group in the autumn of 1982, going on to serve as chairman, the long-term treasurer and as a trustee. He has also served as a treasurer of Bolton Little Theatre for many years.

Since the group lost its permanent home when the Chorley Old Road United Reformed Church was closed and demolished in 2003, he has helped to seek out venues for the group to perform in.

For some years he has been leading Action for Community, a group which seeks to provide venues for theatre groups without a home, and in 1999 he founded Amateur Community Theatre (ACT) which has launched a campaign to create a performance space for community theatre in Bolton.

Last year he received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the BATS annual awards dinner.

A father of three and grandfather to six, Mr Morlidge was eager to thank his wife Dorothy, aged 71, for her support.

He added: “If any award is awarded to me, I share it with her. Without her behind me I wouldn’t be where I am.”

A regular member at Bolton Parish Church for many years, away from the theatre Mr Morlidge has led fundraising efforts, including promoting the recycling for Guide Dogs for the Blind.

He was also trustee of Bolton Parish Educational Foundation.

Mr Bramwell, is an executive principal and chief executive officer of SS Simon and Jude CE Primary School in Great Lever which was placed in special measure when he first took over. It is now one of Bolton’s outstanding schools.

Mr Bramwell was also drafted into Dukesgate in Little Hulton in 2011, when it also fell into special measures and he helped turn it around in just 100 school days.

He said: “I’m really grateful to have been nominated for this honour. I hope it is seen as a reflection of the dedication and commitment of the large team of dedicated professionals who have helped to improve life chances for young people across the region.”

Mr Bramwell, who is married to Karen, who is also a headteacher, added: “To receive recognition in this way is hugely rewarding. I could not have done the work I have without the support and understanding of my family and I know that they too are very proud to accept this award.”

The father-of-two, a former student of Thornleigh Salesian College, is also a National Leader in Education.