THE parents of Chorley-born rugby hero Paul Grayson have spoken of their delight after their son topped the local list of New Year's honours.

The 32-year-old world cup winning Euxton lad was given an MBE, along with every member of the squad who scooped the Webb Ellis trophy in Australia in December.

The parents of the Northampton outside-half, who played football for Accrington Stanley for a year before converting to rugby, said they were very proud of their son's success.

Dad Richard Grayson said: "We are absolutely thrilled with the news. There is no doubt that he, along with the whole squad thoroughly deserve these honours as much as anybody else.

"Although he never actually told us straight away of the award due to confidentiality, we had a good idea that he and the rest of the team would be named in the list. When it was confirmed, we were very proud of him."

Paul took part in two games during the World Cup and may have been involved in more matches had he not suffered a slight injury during the game against Wales.

Last Sunday, he was back on form for his club side scoring 21 points against London Irish, in a performance described by his coach as "world class".

Chorley's second name on the honours list was Catherine Cole, 55, from Astley Village. The teacher was given an MBE for her services to the disabled after being principal of Hereward College of Further Education in Coventry for nine years.

Catherine, who left her job last year to become a freelance consultant, commuted weekly between her Chorley home and the West Midlands to run the college which specialises in helping disabled students.

Husband Ron said: "It was a surprise when we heard, but Cath realises the award is just as much for the college as it is for her.

"We are very proud of her, not just for the MBE, but for everything she has done throughout her career."

Catherine has a son James, 28, and has taught across the north west, including at Runshaw College, under retiring principal Bernard O'Connell who was awarded the highest honour by the Queen after receiving a knighthood in the honours list.

Sir Bernard received the award for services to further education at the Langdale Road college, Leyland, and was the only person from Lancashire to be knighted this time around.

James Haines, from Eccleston, received an MBE for services to the Independent Monitoring Board at Wymott Prison, Leyland.