A PROUD granddad has shared his joy of discovering his beloved grandson has been awarded an MBE in the New Year Honours List. 

Mike Pilkington shared that his grandson Carl Houghton, from Newton-le-Willows, received the honourable award following his hard work and dedication in the RAF.

35-year-old Carl, who is currently on duty, was in shock to discover he had been recommended for the list.

Carl joined the RAF 12 years ago and served six years at RAF Waddington near Lincoln following basic and trade training, before rising to the rank of Corporal.

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He later went to Brize Norton for a couple of years, before heading to an MOD facility in Bristol where he was recognised by high-ranking officers and recently promoted as Sergeant.  

Mike Pilkington, Carl’s granddad, said: "The whole family were shocked and delighted as was Carl himself. He has had the congratulations of lots of RAF "top brass" and they all assured him that he deserves the award.

"The best thing about it to me is that he is a wonderful young man who has worked very hard and is popular with everyone who knows him.

"The award will not go to his head, and he will always be our Carl - probably the most modest recipient ever.

"This kind of thing happens to families like ours very rarely and we are all beyond proud."