A champion of sport for people with disabilities and an ambassador for Ashfield is among those recognised in the King’s birthday honours.

Pete Edwards, chair of the Ashfield Health and Wellbeing Partnership, was made a MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire).

The 70-year-old, who also sits on the Discover Ashfield Board, has played an active role in the district for many years, sitting on various panels and groups.

Pete said he was thrilled when a letter arrived from the Cabinet Office informing him of the honour.

“I was gobsmacked, it’s such an honour and I’m extremely humbled and proud to be nominated for such an accolade,” he added.

Pete, who grew up in South Yorkshire, overcame a hip condition that affected the way he walked and his lower spine as a child.

The father of two sons and a daughter, as well as grandfather to three grandchildren, got a job as a miner, but lost a leg in a traumatic accident in 1989.

A year later he moved to Ashfield and soon became a leading advocate for disabled sport. He played amputee football for Yorkshire and Humberside, swam for Manfield-based Sherwood Seals Swimming Club for the disabled — retiring as a regional champion — and played wheelchair basketball for 18 years.

In 2001 Pete was offered a job in sport, becoming a swimming coach. It led to him becoming heavily involved in disabled sport, supporting athletes with disabilities.

He said: “I’ve had the privilege of working with many fantastic people, seeing them develop as athletes and helping to change their lives. It’s been both inspiring and rewarding.”

Ashfield District Council leader Coun Jason Zadrozny said: “No one deserves this accolade more than Pete. I have known him for more than 20 years and in that time he has been a fabulous ambassador for Ashfield.

“His work with disabled sport is truly inspirational, given the challenges he himself has had to overcome in his life. I’m thrilled for him and his family.”