SEVERAL Cumbrians - including a publisher and a hospital boss have been named in this year's Queen's Birthday Honours List.

Former Cumberland News journalist who went on to publish The Global Library of Women's Medicine is one of the recipients.

David Bloomer, 77, lives in Wetheral, near Carlisle, with his wife, Paula.

He founded and funded The Global Library of Women’s Medicine from its earliest planning stages to the present.

He now manages the library from his home, supported by a very able team of editors and computer programmers.

He said: "It is a huge resource - really massive - for providing expert information to doctors and midwives on women's medicine - all for free.

"It is contributed to by 800 specialists from around the world and has about 5,000 visitors a day."

Mr Bloomer found out that he was to receive an OBE about three weeks ago.

He said: "It was very nice indeed when I got the letter. I am fortunate to be honoured in this way.

"I was very grateful and appreciative to receive the award - specially for doing something that I enjoy doing - but the real people who deserve acknowledgement are all the skilled professional specialists who continuously give up their time free to contribute their expert knowledge to The Global Library.

"My wife Paula provides a wonderful and genuinely valuable contribution to the whole programme in many practical ways and I certainly could not have managed it without her special and continued help."

Mr Bloomer once worked as a journalist at The Cumberland News.

He said: "I loved it. The Cumberland News is a very successful newspaper."

Mr Bloomer has not yet received any details about when he will receive his OBE.

He said: "I've never met the Queen so it would be lovely to do so."

Also receiving an award is hospital boss Professor Stephen Eames.

He will receive a CBE.

The list recognises the achievements of a wide range of people across the United Kingdom each year with Mr Eames being recognised for his contribution to the National Health Service.

He has worked for the NHS for 47 years.

* A paediatric dentist and University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) professor has also been recognised in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List for his dedication to a career spanning more than 40 years.

Professor Richard Welbury has been made a Commander of the British Empire (CBE) for “services to paediatric dentistry, dental education and safeguarding of children.”

The 64-year-old, who has taught paediatric dentistry at UCLan for the last four years alongside clinical work as an Honorary Consultant at North Cumbria University Hospitals Trust and Cumbria Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, said he was “stunned and humbled” to be made a CBE.

He will receive his honour at Buckingham Palace later this year.

* District nurse Alison Kitson, of Penrith, has also been awarded an MBE.

* Robert Shepherd, 50, chairman of Patterdale Parish Council will also receive an OBE for services to the environment and to the community.

* Dr Arthur Robinson, who is secretary of New Hutton Parish Council, and George Welch, who is chair of the parish council have put in countless hours of voluntary work for the B4SW scheme which has enabled the area to access high speed broadband. They will receive British Empire Medals.