THE secretary to the Northern Lights charity which helps children enjoy a magical trip to the Arctic Circle to meet Father Christmas has been recognised in this year's Queen's Birthday Honours.

Alan Johnson has been made an MBE for services to children with life-limiting illnesses in the North West and North Wales.

Northern Lights was set up in 1987 in memory of Alan's son Christopher, who lost his battle for life at the age of five after suffering with a brain tumour.

Every December, the charity takes a group of 20 children with life-limiting illnesses, aged between six and 11, on a short holiday to Lapland to meet Father Christmas.

The charity said on its website: "Alan has tirelessly fundraised for Northern Lights for over 30 years and has often been named the voice of Northern Lights as he is the first to be found with a microphone in his hand communicating with supporters at any fundraising event.

"His investment of time to the charity is amazing, he not only works directly with the committee of Northern Lights in his role as secretary but liaises with local authorities when official paperwork should be lodged with them for certain events, drums up support for the charity wherever he goes and in addition to all of this is also the Lapland trip co-ordinator."

Karen Jones, MBE, chairman of Northern Lights said: “We are all so proud of what has been achieved in Christopher’s memory, a little five-year-old boy who lost his battle against a brain tumour, a life that was cut so short but one that so many other children have now benefited from, none of which would have been possible without the dedication from Alan, we are all very honoured to work with him.”

When notified of his nomination for an MBE, Alan said: “I cannot believe that someone like me could receive such an award.

"I am extremely honoured to receive this award but also very thankful to friends and family who have supported us over the last 31 years. Obviously, we are doing something right to still be here.”

Other local stars to be highlighted in the Queen's Birthday Honours are Professor Lionel Clarke, of Chester, co-chair of the SynBio Leadership Council and director of BionerG, who has been made an OBE for services to the synthetic biology sector.

Also honoured is Professor Emeritus Christopher Collier, of Tarporley, former head of strategic partnerships at NCAS, who has been made an MBE for services to atmospheric science.

Mrs Amelia Elizabeth McCourty, of Tarporley, has been made an MBE for political and public service.

Chester-based plastic surgeon Douglas McGeorge, of Eccleston, has been made an MBE for voluntary and charitable services through the Prince's Trust, the Centre for Social Justice and The Healing Foundation.

Dr Parameswara Prasad, of Hoole, a GP at Panton Surgery, Holywell has been made an MBE for services to the community in Holywell.

Thomas Hirst, of Chester, has received a British Empire Medal (BEM) for services to the community in Wakefield, West Yorkshire.

John Riley has also received a BEM for services to the community in Chester.

Neil Barnes, deputy director of the North West Ambulance Service NHS Trust, from Bolton, has received a Queen's Ambulance Service Medal for services to the North West Ambulance Service NHS Trust.