A FORMER train driver from Okehampton has been awarded the MBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours list.

Richard Westlake was honoured for his services to public transport and the community in Devon where he has served as a county councillor for 25 years.

Mr Westlake was born in Okehampton and started his career with British Rail in the town at the age of 15, following in the footsteps of his father, Arthur, who was station master.

He began as a fireman on the steam trains and later went on to take charge of inter-city trains running from Paddington to Cornwall in a career which spanned more than 40 years.

Mr Westlake now lives in Exeter and represents the inner city ward of Newtown and Polsloe as a Labour member of Devon County Council. His parents still live in Okehampton.

He said he was shocked when he received the letter saying he was to get the MBE but was also' 'exceptionally pleased'.

'The railway has undergone huge changes since I started and in the late 60s so many people were being made redundant when the railways changed from steam to diesel,' he said.

'When the motorways were built I did think the railway would disappear for good but it managed to survive and today it is a vital part of the transport structure.

'I very much hope that we will see the restoration of the passenger service between Okehampton and Exeter because it is extremely important to have that good business link and connect into the main line service to London and the north. It will really put Okehampton on the map.'