I love what I do, so to be honoured by King Charles in his Birthday Honours is so special for me and my family

A number of Fylde coast locals have been recognised in the King’s Birthday Honours for their outstanding contributions to British society across multiple fields.

Among them is Blackpool’s much-loved Mooky the clown, who has thanked the circus audiences at The Blackpool Tower after being recognised with a British Empire Medal.

Mooky - real name Laci Endresz Jr - earns it for services to entertainment and says it is a tribute to everyone involved in putting on the circus show. His relationship with The Blackpool Tower Circus began in 1992, marking the start of one of the most enduring careers in British entertainment.

He was also quick to thank the circus audiences as he reflected on the award he said was such a surprise, he thought it was a wind-up.

“I really can’t thank everyone enough, especially the audiences who have been coming to see us all these years,” he said. “We have a saying in showbusiness - if you don’t turn up and see us, this is just a rehearsal - so thank you so much for coming to see us. We really appreciate every last one of you.”

Laci’s relationship with The Blackpool Tower Circus began in 1992, marking the start of one of the most enduring careers in British entertainment. In 1999, he took on the role that would define his legacy: Mooky the Clown. Since then, he has starred as the headline act in every season for an astonishing 27 consecutive years, never missing a single show.

In addition to performing in more than 350 shows each year, he writes and directs the entire circus production. Laci added: “This really is so special for me and my family. I love what I do - everything from designing and building the props to producing and directing the show.

“Over the last three decades, I’ve had the honour of entertaining millions of visitors to The Blackpool Tower Circus. It isn’t a job to me; it is my passion and calling in life. I am humbled to have been chosen to receive a British Empire Medal.”

Kate Shane, managing director of Blackpool Tourism Limited, said: “I am so thrilled that Laci has received this special recognition. The joy he brings to audiences is one thing, and we know that guests return year after year just to see him perform. But on a personal level, he has an unbelievable work ethic and unwavering commitment to his craft.

“This award shines a spotlight on a rarely recognised art form and I couldn’t think of anyone more deserving of this honour.”

‘Deeply honoured’

Alan Cavill, a leading figure in Blackpool’s regeneration, said he was “deeply honoured” after being appointed an MBE (Member of the British Empire) for services to regeneration in Blackpool.

After growing up in Blackpool, Alan has played a major role in the resort’s £2bn regeneration for nearly 30 years.

Along with directing Blackpool’s major regeneration projects such as the £350m Talbot Gateway and £300m Enterprise Zone, he has also ensured that skills practices are in place to ensure local people benefit from the town’s growth by securing training opportunities and jobs.

His role has included attracting private and public sector investment in the town. After hearing that financial barriers were preventing investment, he created a solution where Blackpool Council could borrow money at lower preferential rates and provide loans to businesses who were looking to invest or grow their business.

That business loans fund has supported more than 30 businesses and helped to created or safeguard more than 1,700 local jobs.

In addition to his role in regeneration, Alan also led the council’s cultural, tourism and visitor teams from 2010 to 2025, including the Blackpool Illuminations, setting up of Showtown Museum and leading on the purchase of the Blackpool Tower and Winter Gardens back into public ownership.

“As with many people this is an acknowledgment of achievements that are by no means my own,” he said.

“I am truly grateful to my wife and family for giving me the support that has allowed me to pursue my career and to the many people who have done most of the work to deliver the changes to my hometown that this award recognises.

“My colleagues at Blackpool Council and the councillors who have had the strength to support our regeneration programme are equally deserving of this and I would like to thank them all for their hard work and dedication without whom very little would have been achieved.

“Partners and stakeholders across the town also play a huge role in making anything happen and we have had excellent support from many including Business in the Community, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, Blackpool and the Fylde College and many, many others.

“I am delighted to accept this accolade knowing that I do so on behalf all of help and support I have received over my career.”

‘Extremely well-deserved’

Blackpool Council leader Cllr Lynn Williams added: “This honour is extremely well deserved. For decades, Alan has been a dedicated public servant working tirelessly to make Blackpool a better place for the people who live here.

“Not only has he directly been involved in the creation and safeguarding of thousands of jobs in this town, but he’s also made it a mission to make sure that our young people are skilled and equipped to get those jobs and make the most of the opportunities available.

Before moving to work in Blackpool in 1997 to manage Blackpool Challenge Partnership, he spent 15 years with Central Government in Manchester in the Department of Transport, Department of Environment and Government Office for the North West.

For more than 14 years, he also volunteered to sit on the board of Blackpool & the Fylde College, ultimately chairing the board and championing young people to ensure they had the skills required to grow.

He has also been vice chairman of British Destinations (a national body representing tourism destinations) and a trustee of Claremont First Step Community Centre for 18 years. He was previously a trustee of Blackpool Carers centre for three years and played an integral part in its creation.

Other outstanding Fylde coast locals honoured

Professor Paul Taylor, from Poulton, Police Chief Scientific Adviser at the National Police Chiefs' Council is appointed a CBE (Commanders of the Order of the British Empire) for services to science in policing.

Maria Lane, from Blackpool, deputy director for people safety at the Government’s Department for Work and Pensions, for services to People Safety and Wellbeing has been appointed an OBE (Officer of the Order of the British Empire).

After leaving school at 16 and starting her career as a clerical assistant, Maria moved into a health and safety role as an executive officer.

Rebekah Warburton, of St Annes, deputy director for health transformation and delivery at the DWP, is awarded an OBE for public service.

She started working at the DWP in 2004 as an administrative officer in the Child Support Agency and loves being at the heart of the operational delivery profession and transforming services to deliver the best service.

Rebekah says she is very passionate about developing people and leaders and helping people reach their potential.

Also among the OBE recipients is David Read, of Poulton, head of delivery North West at the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, recognised for public service.

Blackpool swimming coach Leslie Alan France is awarded a BEM for services to swimming and to the community in Wigan.