Joe Longthorne: 'I'm glad I am still here to collect MBE'

THE tireless fundraising efforts of Hull's singing legend Joe Longthorne have been recognised in the Queen's honours list.

Joe, 57, has been awarded the MBE for his charity work.

He continues to raise money despite his own battle with leukaemia, which required a bone marrow transplant.

After receiving the award, Joe joked about still being around.

He said: "I am extremely glad that I'm still here to receive it.

"I thought they were joking when they first told me."

His tireless fundraising has seen him raise money for organisations including the Variety Club of Great Britain, Cancer Research UK and the Development of Children and Women Centre Nepal.

Now living in Blackpool, Joe said: "I am ecstatic.

"It's all the more dear to me as it comes in this very special Jubilee year.

"It's a great honour. The serious part of it is that it will help me raise more money for charity.

"It will give me some leverage to help with fundraising events I'm involved in."

In his career, spanning more than 40 years, Longthorne has performed to millions of people around the world and is currently taking part in a 60-date tour of the UK. He has also sung at the Royal Variety Show four times.

He found fame on LWT programme Search For A Star in 1981 and went on to present his own television programme, The Joe Longthorne Show.

He is in the middle of a UK tour, which finishes in December, and will be followed by a three-month tour of the US before he takes a break.

After being diagnosed with leukaemia, Joe received a bone marrow transplant in 2006 and is now in good health.

Joe said: "I've been very lucky to get through it.

"Ever since then, I've been trying to give something back.

"It has given me a new perspective on life.

"I am a little bit more laid back now and patient with people."

It is something of a family affair for John Kirk, who received an MBE for his service to the RAF.

The chief technician has served with the RAF for 25 years after joining at the age of 18.

He follows his uncle who also received an MBE after serving with the RAF.

Proud mum Margaret, of east Hull, said: It was a big surprise for John.

"I am over the moon for him and we are all very proud.

"I don't know yet if I will be going down with him to Buckingham Palace to collect the MBE."

Adam Peirson, of Cherry Burton near Beverley, has been awarded an MBE for his work as a World Skills Ambassador.

Adam attended Longcroft School in Beverley before working as a chef at The Manor House Restaurant in Walkington.

Aged just 18, he was offered a place at the world famous Claridge's Hotel in central London, where he is now executive sous chef.

Adam then went on to compete in and win a number of national cookery competitions, including the Master Chef Grand Prix and the Academy of Culinary Arts Award of Excellence.

He also won Best Young Chef in 2003 at The Craft Guild of Chefs awards and Most Inspiring Young Chef from the British Culinary Federation in 2005.