A POPULAR West Cumbrian swimming coach has been awarded with an honour from the King in the New Year's Honours List.

Sean Balmer, who is the head coach at Cockermouth Swimming Club, has been made a Medallist of the Order of the British Empire (BEM) in the 2024 New Year's Day Honours List.

Mr Balmer has been involved in Cockermouth Swimming Club since 1995, when he moved to the area. He has said he will be accepting the award on behalf of a lot of other people who do 'lots and lots of work' within the club.

Speaking about the honour, he said: "I'm very pleased really. I think I accept this on behalf of everybody who gives up their time on behalf of the club and the area.

"There is always somebody who is the figurehead, but there is also a lot of people who give up their time and efforts that probably won't ever get recognised, so I would just like to accept it on behalf of them."

The honour is the second the club has received over the years, with founder member Eleanor Walsh previously being awarded with a British Empire Medal.

Sean said: "The recognition is very well received, but I think it speaks volumes about the quality of the club as to how much it has done locally, but also nationally and internationally. I imagine that there are few clubs in the country that have a couple of people with a British Empire Medal."

ALL 2024 HONOURS

Anyone can nominate someone for a UK Honour through the 'open access' system and awards are given to people from all walks of life.

The final decision as to who receives an honour is first decided by an Honours Committee and their recommendations go to the Prime Minister and finally to HM The King for approval.

The process can take up to 18 months with recipients of honours announced in HM The King’s New Year’s Honours List and Birthday Honours List.