The leading light of amateur theatre in South Craven appeared by royal appointment last week.

Cross Hills man Allan Clough travelled to Buckingham Palace to receive his MBE from the Queen.

He stood shoulder to shoulder with dozens of other worthies from all walks of life, including the snooker player Steve Davis.

Allan, 75, the mainstay of entertainment at Glusburn Institute, went to the award ceremony with his wife of 52 years, Margaret, and their two sons Brian and Howard.

Allan has been involved with running Glusburn Institute for about 20 years and has been involved in the amateur theatre for seven decades.

He helped establish the institute's youth theatre, built the stage and designed a flytower which was built recently with funding from the Arts Council and European Union.

Allan also raised about £40,000 for equipment at Airedale Hospital by holding theatrical events at the institute.

Allan says that when he was summoned to meet the Queen she knew why he was receiving the MBE, and asked if he wanted to say anything more.

He told her that after mill owners retired several years ago he saw the need to ensure Glusburn Institute continued and went from strength to strength.

Allan began his stage career when he was just four, playing a cat, and has performed in many productions since.

He has worked backstage in more than 100 productions around the area, and spent 15 years as stage manager for Keighley Amateurs from the mid-60s.

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