Honours for proud Lancastrians

A transport boss, the recently-retired chief executive of a Preston youth charity, a university lecturer and a parish council chairman are among those from Lancashire recognised with awards in the King's New Year Honours list.

- by Tony Durkin

David Hindle of Grimsargh

An OBE goes to Jane Cole, managing director of Blackpool Transport, for services to public transport and to the community in Blackpool.

Jane, who lives in Poulton, said: "It really is a privilege to serve the people of Blackpool and the surrounding areas, and I receive this award with humility. This recognition belongs as much to the people who have inspired and supported me as it does to me.

"It has been an honour to work with so many remarkable people here on the Fylde Coast over the past 12 years, and during 35 years in the wider rail industry.

"I am also grateful for having the opportunity to make a contribution to public transport, a sector that brings together communities and is vitally important to so many people who rely on it every day."

Jane joined Blackpool Transport as MD in 2014 and in 2021, Jane was the first female president of the industry trade association

The Confederation of Passenger Transport.

She is a non-executive Director of the Road Operators Safety Council, works closely with Women in Transport and other groups and has been a strong advocate for increasing the number of women in the bus industry.

Jane is past president of the North and Western Lancashire Chamber of Commerce and is a member of the Lancashire Combined County Authority Business Board.