Bill Midgley, of Beaumont Drive, Whitley Bay, was stunned to be told he will receive an OBE from the Queen in the annual honours on New Year's Eve for his services to the business and community of Tyne and Wear.

The 66-year-old has held a number of top positions, including ones at the North East and British Chamber of Commerce and Durham County Cricket Club.

Mr Midgley has also sat on the former Whitley Bay Regeneration Steering Group, aimed at bringing about the best for the town through regeneration programmes, and is also involved in charity work with Macmillan Cancer Care and Mencap.

Mr Midgley said he is keen to find out who nominated him so he can thank them.

Mr Midgley said: "I was absolutely shocked and stunned when I opened the letter to find I was to be awarded the OBE.

"It's very pleasing but I got taken aback by it a bit. I found out about six weeks ago but I didn't know for definite until they announced it formally on New Year's Eve.

"I don't know who nominated me but I hope I find out as I'd really like to thank them personally.

"My family were as surprised as I was. They were quite taken aback as well but delighted."

He added: "I've been involved in business for 35 years in Whitley Bay and various organisations and charities around the area.

"There are lots of things that I've been involved in that could be behind my nomination but where it came from I just don't know."

Mr Midgley is now expecting to go to Buckingham Palace in April to receive his OBE from the Queen.