'TOTAL commitment and professionalism' won magistrate David Bettles his MBE in the Queen's 80th birthday honours.

The 59-year-old from Higher Whitley has served at Halton Magistrates' Court since 1985, and was chairman of the bench from 2002 to 2003.

He is also managing director of his own business, Bettles Heating Ltd.

Peter Jones, the court legal manager, said: "This MBE is well deserved as those of us who have had the privilege of working with David can testify.

"David has shown total

commitment, professionalism and enthusiasm in all his duties."

Val Snelson, current chairman of the bench, said: "It is largely due to David's efforts that the bench functions so efficiently and effectively.

"His management skills and his compassion have been evidenced on so many occasions in the past years.

"We send our congratulations and our gratitude to David, and also to his wife, Lorna, who has been so supportive of David, thus enabling him to give so much to us all."