A ROYAL invitation is heading to a former chairman of Greater Manchester Police Authority (GMPA) after he was named in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours list.

Derek Osbaldestin, from Worsley, will visit Buckingham Palace to collect an MBE for services to young people and the community of Greater Manchester.

He was nominated for the title by GMPA in recognition of his career history, which includes 50 years working for young people, 28 years as a magistrate and 11 years as a police authority member.

Mr Osbaldestin stepped down as a GMPA member in late 2008, a year after sitting as chairman for three years.

He said: “I think I’m still getting used to the fact I’ve been awarded an MBE. My wife, Sue, can’t quite believe it — she just keeps saying she needs a new hat and outfit.”

Before retiring from work in 2001, the father of two was an education officer for Salford Council and before that was principal youth officer for more than 10 years. He continues his court duties as a Salford magistrate and chair of Salford’s magistrates’ bench.

In his spare time, he works closely with Salford-based charity Gears+, which provides activities for young people in areas such as mechanics.

GMPA executive director Russell Bernstein co-ordinated the MBE nomination for Mr Osbaldestin.

“I’m delighted Derek’s nomination was approved,” he said. “He has made a great contribution to many important areas of work and we wanted to ensure that didn’t go unnoticed.

“The fact that we had no shortage of people willing to provide letters of support for Derek’s MBE goes to show lots of others felt the same.”

Representatives from Greater Manchester Police , the Association of Greater Manchester Authorities and the magistrates’ service also provided support for Mr Osbaldestin’s MBE. He is now awaiting his invitation to the ceremony, when the MBE will be officially handed over.