ONE of the best known faces in North-East clubland was awarded the first ever regional accolade for his work in social clubs, in the New Year's honours list.

Jack Amos, 71, of Shotley Bridge, near Consett, received an MBE for services to workingmen's clubs in the North-East.

Others have received honours for working for clubs nationally, but his is the first from the Queen for commitment to clubs at a regional level. He said: "I feel particularly proud to receive this but there have been many good men who I have worked with over the years, both in the North-East and on the national executive, and I collect this on behalf of them."

Mr Amos stepped down from the national executive of the Club and Institute Union (CIU) this year after 21 years. He was secretary of the Victory Club in Shotley Bridge, for more than two decades and secretary of the Durham branch of the CIU for 20 years, retiring last year.

When the Victory Club closed, he was instrumental in persuading the Federation Brewery to lease out a bar and lounge at a pub. This became the Kings Head Social Club and the lounge was named the Jack Amos Room. A former journalist in County Durham and Tyne and Wear, he was famous for his Jack of Clubs column in the Sunday Sun.

He left journalism in 1982 and was elected CIU branch secretary.

Cynthia Dawn Watts Rickett of High Shincliffe, who is chairwoman of South of Tyne and Wearside Mental Health NHS Trust was awarded an MBE for services to the NHS.