Tony Favell, chair of the Peak District National Park Authority, has received an MBE in the Queen's New Year's Honours List.
He has been made a Member of the Order of the British Empire [do we still have one? Ed.] for outstanding services to politics and public service, and to the Peak District National Park.
Cllr Favell, 73, has been chair of the Authority since April 2011, and was previously deputy chair. A member of various other boards and bodies including the Land Managers' Forum and UK Association of National Park Authorities, and a one-time Tory MP, he was appointed to the Authority by High Peak Borough Council in June 2007.
He said:
'I am absolutely thrilled – it is an enormous honour to receive this recognition for having done everything I have loved doing. However, I would not have achieved it without the support from my wife, Susan, and everyone I have worked with over the years. It really is marvellous.'
The Peak District National Park Authority say that Tony Favell has played a leading role in encouraging the Authority to work more closely with local communities; improving communications over issues such as planning and the use of 4x4s on green lanes; campaigning for improved rail services on the Hope Valley Line, between Manchester and Sheffield; promoting opportunities for young people to enjoy the national park; protecting the Peak landscape; supporting the growth of rural businesses and improving services for residents, including access to better broadband.
Jim Dixon, chief executive of the Peak District National Park Authority, said:
'This is a richly deserved award. Tony has given selfless service to the people of the Hope Valley, the High Peak and the Peak District National Park. He has championed the role of local people and the importance of helping young people from neighbouring cities experience the National Park.'
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