THE Chaplain to Durham Army Cadet Force is to receive an MBE.

Middlesbrough-born Canon Alan Hughes, a father of two, is getting the honour for his services to the community of Berwick, Northumberland, where he is vicar.

Rev Hughes is a canon at Newcastle Cathedral and also a chaplain to Northumbria University Officer Training Corps, the Northumbria Health Care Trust, Northumbria Police and the Parachute Regiment and Coldstream Guards in the north of England.

He said: “I was astonished to receive a letter which began 'The Prime Minister has asked me to inform you, in strict confidence, that having accepted the advice of the Head of the Civil Service and the Main Honours Committee, he proposes to submit your name to the Queen'.

“It took some time before I read on to learn that I was being recommended for an MBE in the New Years Honours list."

Rev Hughes, who joined the Army 50 years ago and has had a long association with the military, including Army Cadets and Reservists, said he dedicated the award to his wife Susan and other clergy wives.