IT was a very happy new year for many of the town’s residents as a bumper number were honoured in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours List.

Nine people with connections to the town picked up awards from the queen including a soldier, a charity champion and a head teacher.

Among those picking up honours included the Chief Constable of Cheshire Police.

Dave Whatton was awarded the Queen’s Police Medal.

He was appointed chief constable in October 2008 and took over in December.

Previously he had been deputy chief constable at Greater Manchester Police and replaced Peter Fahy who was named chief constable of Greater Manchester Police.

Mr Whatton is married and has three children who are all very active and when not at work is usually involved in taking them to a sporting or musical event, or ‘moonlighting’ from work – helping his children with their paper rounds.