Vintage car restorer made an MBE

A vintage car fan from Merseyside has been honoured by the Queen for his services to the industry.

Alan Johnson, 69, from Southport, has been made an MBE on Thursday for his services to Vintage and Veteran Vehicle Restoration and Heritage.

He received the honour during a ceremony at Buckingham Palace, accompanied by his wife Jean and daughters Diane and Yvonne.

"My best suit is my boiler suit," he said afterwards.

George Cross

"I was shocked initially, but it's grown on me," Mr Johnson added.

"Restoring cars is just something that comes absolutely naturally to me. I told the Queen, I just have to have a project on."

Mr Johnson was one of a number of community workers, volunteers and police and fire staff honoured at the palace.

Royal Marine reservist, Lance Corporal Matthew Croucher, was awarded the highest honour, the George Cross.

The marine shielded his comrades from a grenade blast in Afghanistan.