MBE for effigy-burning ex-mayor

Stuart Martin wanted to use an effigy of Gordon Brown as a bonfire night guy

The former mayor of a North Yorkshire town who once tried to burn an effigy of Gordon Brown has been appointed an MBE in the New Year Honours list.

Stuart Martin tried to use Mr Brown as a guy as part of Ripon's bonfire night celebrations this year.

Mr Martin, who works as a fireman in the town, said he was "flabbergasted" to have been given the honour.

Others from the county making the list included the planning officer for the North York Moors National Park.

'High honour'

Mr Martin said he got the letter telling him he was to become an MBE for services to the community at the same time as the story of his controversial choice of guy was in the papers.

"I got a letter from the cabinet office and it started by saying 'The Prime Minister has asked me to contact you' and I thought it was all connected to the furore surrounding the bonfire," he said.

"I was flabbergasted really, I never thought someone like myself would be awarded such a high honour."

Mr Martin, who has served on Ripon City Council for nine years, was mayor for two years from 2004.

Elsewhere in the county Valarie Dilcock, from Pickering, became an MBE for services to the North York Moors National Park Authority where she is chief planning officer.

Sally Hobbs, from York, became a CBE for her 35 years of service at HM Crown Prosecution Service Inspectorate.

Professor John McDermid of the University of York was appointed MBE for services to the defence industry. Professor McDermid specialises in the security of high-end computer systems.