THE publication of honours lists at the New Year and to mark the Queen's official birthday usually sparks some debate.

Our attention was drawn to the front page of the Yorkshire Post, which featured the car park attendant at Leeds Metropolitan University. He had been in the post for as long as 10 years and his award was for "services to higher education". No, it was January 1 not April 1.

These, we are told, are the "people's honours" and a man who carries out his duties at a car park for 10 years is just as deserving as a civil servant who has climbed the greasy pole over the last 10 years.

Somehow awards in Craven seem to have dried up in recent years, with only Dougie Lampkin's long overdue sporting recognition this time. We cannot believe it is due to a lack of suitable candidates. Without embarrassing individuals and naming names, our columns each week are full of deserving cases.

Better luck next time.