The King's New Year's Honours List saw Bernard Vause, President of the Morecambe Brass Band Association honoured with a British Empire Medal for services to music and to the community.

50 years

The 83 year old will celebrate 50 years associated with Morecambe Band in 2024, a tenure that has seen him help set up its Youth Band, as well a take on the roles of President, Chairperson, Librarian and Secretary.

In addition, he has been an indefatigable fundraiser and a fine euphonium player and was instrumental in getting the band one of the first National Lottery Awards in 1995.

Cloud Nine

Bernard, who lives in the town with his wife Barbara is also the organist at the local Torrisholme Methodist Church and a former teacher at Morecambe Grammar School and Central Lancaster High.

He said he was on 'Cloud Nine'.