Teesside school football champion honoured
- Published
A man who has dedicated years to encouraging young footballers on Teesside has been recognised in the New Year Honours list.
Malcolm Danby, 69, has been appointed MBE for his voluntary service to school football.
Teesside University vice chancellor Professor Graham Henderson and Anthony Denis Kennan, chairman of the Multiple Sclerosis Society, become CBEs.
Former Hartlepool College principal David Waddington is appointed OBE.
It was an early birthday present for Mr Danby, who turns 70 on New Year's Day.
Until recently he was Middlesbrough Football Club Academy's match-day co-ordinator and has been chairman of both Stockton District Schools and Cleveland Schools football associations.
'Vital part'
Middlesbrough FC chief executive Keith Lamb said: "I have never known anyone put in as much effort for such selfless return.
"It is good to see people in grassroots football such as Malcolm being recognised for the vital part they play, not only in assisting the fledging careers of professional footballers but in also generally encouraging young people to get involved with sport."
Mr Danby was recently forced to scale down his activities due to the effects of Parkinson's Disease, which he was diagnosed with in 2003.
He said: "I've enjoyed my involvement in football, it's not something I've ever asked for money for, it's just something I wanted to do."
Others honoured are Elizabeth Ivil, former head teacher of Oakley Cross Primary School and Nursery, in Wolsingham, County Durham, who is appointed OBE.
Terence Farley, from Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, becomes an MBE for services to football referees.
Grahame Pickering, chief executive of the Great North Air Ambulance Service, is appointed MBE for services to emergency healthcare.
Adil Rajput, executive officer for Jobcentre Plus, in Stockton, becomes an MBE.
Lesley Wilson, people officer of customer operations at HM Revenue and Customs in Thornaby, becomes an MBE.
Peter Lowe, from Stockton, is appointed MBE for services to youth justice in the North East.