IN 50 years of dedication to a North-East college, Ken Handley has never missed one meeting.

His devotion to duty has led to Mr Handley, vice-chairman of Bishop Auckland College, County Durham, being awarded an MBE in today's honours list.

Mr Handley's long association with the college started in 1950 as a co-opted member, and later as a business member when he opened a newsagents shop in St Helen Auckland, in 1970.

He has been vice-chairman twice, for eight and seven-year periods, chairman for six years.

Mr Handley, 83, said: "I've always had a strong belief in education and the opportunity it can open up for normal working people.

"That is why, at Bishop Auckland College, we've always had a strong commitment to taking education out to where people really need it, close to where they live and work."

During the Second World War Mr Handley served in the Home Guard. He worked at the former engineering company Westtool Ltd, in St Helen Auckland, for 24 years and during that time rose from a machinist to works superintendent.

He has been chairman of Dryburn Hospital Cancer Research Fund and served on the Bishop Auckland Youth Advisory Committee. He was also chairman of the Bishop Auckland branch of the Amalgamated Engineering Workers for 15 years and chairman of the Bishop Auckland Trades Council for 23 years.