THE former president of the Northumberland County Show was among this year’s recipients in the Queen’s Birthday Honours.

81-year-old Harry Mole, of Oakwood, was made an MBE for services to the community in Hexham.

The former police officer has been involved in various community services as an elective member of the local agricultural show, village hall committee and the local football team.

He and wife Margaret, whose son Keith has successfully been through cancer treatment, also co-founded the North of England Children’s Cancer Research Fund (NECCR) which over the past 35 years, has raised over £20m to establish Newcastle University as one of the leading centres in Europe for research into childhood cancer.

Mr Mole is also a judge for numerous flower/vegetable shows and has for many years, been a committee member of the Northumberland County Show.

He was appointed show president in 2016, replacing former president George Hutchinson, of Wark, after being a long-serving member of the management committee, having helped with traffic management, parking stewarding and security over the years.

In June last year, the charitable organisation behind the popular Northumberland County Show was honoured with a Queen’s Award.

Tynedale Agricultural Society received the award for its voluntary service - for which Mr Mole was instrumental in attaining.

At the time, he said: “I am delighted the society has been recognised in this way. It is a fitting tribute to the hard work and commitment of so many and I am incredibly proud to be part of such a thriving and vibrant community, without whom the show would not be possible.”

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said of the Honours’ recipients: “The Queen’s Birthday Honours allow us to pay tribute to all those who have gone above and beyond in their service to this country.

“Throughout the pandemic we have seen countless examples of every day heroes. From those using their expertise to help develop life-saving vaccines, which are now being rolled out successfully to all parts of the UK, to the people who have given time and energy to care for their communities.

“We should take heart from the stories of those receiving honours today and be inspired by their courage and kindness. May they be a reminder of all that we can achieve when we come together as a society.”