John Williamson, who has run a milk round in the Easingwold area of North Yorkshire for the past 34 years, is to receive an MBE for services to the rural community.

"My wife, Joan, knows but I haven't told the rest of my family," said the 62-year-old, who delivers to 500 homes.

"The papers came a few weeks ago and we filled them in and sent them back. I wasn't sure if that meant I would qualify but I knew we weren't supposed to say anything so we've kept it quiet.''

Mr Williamson starts work at 4am most mornings, a four-wheel-drive vehicle ensuring he gets through to his customers no matter what the weather - replacing the old Ford Thames van he started with in the 1960s.

Although after three decades he knows most of the families who live in the area, Mr Williamson says he has no idea who nominated him.

"I'm not sure what I did to deserve this but it's just marvellous,'' he said. "I haven't a clue who put my name forward, but no doubt I'll find out in time."