Blackpool and Fylde locals recognised in King’s Birthday Honours

A number of local people from across Blackpool and the Fylde coast have been recognised in King Charles’ Birthday Honours List.

Alan Cavill of Blackpool Council has been awarded the MBE (for services to regeneration in Blackpool.

He played a major role in the resort’s regeneration for nearly 30 years, he has, along with directing projects such as the £350m Talbot Gateway and £300m Enterprise Zone, ensured that skills practices are in place to ensure local people benefit from the town’s growth by securing training opportunities and jobs.

In addition to his role in regeneration, Alan also led the council’s cultural, tourism and visitor teams from 2010 to 2025, including the Blackpool Illuminations, setting up of Showtown Museum and leading on the purchase of the Blackpool Tower and Winter Gardens back into public ownership.

Alan, said: “I am deeply honoured to have been recognised in the King’s Birthday Honours.

“As with many people this is an acknowledgment of achievements that are by no means my own. I am truly grateful to my wife and family for giving me the support that has allowed me to pursue my career and to the many people who have done most of the work to deliver the changes to my hometown that this award recognises.

 “My colleagues at Blackpool Council and the councillors who have had the strength to support our regeneration programme are equally deserving of this and I would like to thank them all for their hard work and dedication without whom very little would have been achieved.’’

Blackpool Council leader, Cllr Lynn Williams added: “This honour is extremely well deserved. For decades, Alan has been a dedicated public servant working tirelessly to make Blackpool a better place.

“Not only has he directly been involved in the creation and safeguarding of thousands of jobs in this town, but he’s also made it a mission to make sure that our young people are skilled and equipped to get those jobs and make the most of the opportunities available."

Laci Endresz, better known as Mooky the Clown from the Blackpool Tower Circus, has been awarded a British Empire Medal for services to entertainment.

Laci’s relationship with The Blackpool Tower Circus began in 1992, marking the start of one of the most enduring careers in British entertainment.

In 1999, he took on the role that would define his legacy: Mooky the Clown. Since then, he has starred as the headline act in every season for an astonishing 27 consecutive years, never missing a single show.

In addition to performing in more than 350 shows each year, he writes and directs the entire circus production.

Laci said: “This really is so special for me and my family. I love what I do - everything from designing and building the props to producing and directing the show.

“Over the last three decades, I’ve had the honour of entertaining millions of visitors to The Blackpool Tower Circus. It isn’t a job to me; it is my passion and calling in life.

“I am humbled to have been chosen to receive a British Empire Medal.”

Kate Shane MBE, Managing Director of Blackpool Tourism Limited, said: “I am so thrilled that Laci has received this special recognition.

“The joy he brings to audiences is one thing, and we know that guests return year after year just to see him perform. But on a personal level, he has an unbelievable work ethic and unwavering commitment to his craft.

“This award shines a spotlight on a rarely recognised art form and I couldn’t think of anyone more deserving of this honour.”

Professor Paul Taylor, from Poulton, Police Chief Scientific Adviser at the National Police Chiefs' Council is appointed a CBE (Commanders of the Order of the British Empire) for services to science in policing.

OBEs are also awarded to Maria Lane, from Blackpool, deputy director for people safety at the Government’s Department for Work and Pensions, for services to People Safety and Wellbeing; David Read, of Poulton, head of delivery North West at the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, for public service and Rebekah Warburton, of St Annes, deputy director for health transformation and delivery at the Department for Work and Pensions, for public service.

The British Empire Medal (BEM) is awarded to swimming coach Leslie Alan France, from Blackpool, for services to swimming and to the community.