AN ARMY chef originally from Bonby has been awarded the MBE for sharing his culinary skills with youngsters.

Warrant Officer Class One (WO1) Nik Smith, 39, who is now based in Preston, received the honour in the Queen's Birthday Honours List last month.

He joined the army after leaving Vale of Ancholme School, in Brigg, and has served for 23 years with the Army Catering Corps.

In that time, he has prepared food for royalty including the Queen, as well as serving in Afghanistan, Northern Ireland, Bosnia, Belize, the Falkland Islands, Croatia and Cyprus.

WO Smith said: "I was delighted to be told I'm getting the MBE – and on my wife's birthday too."

He added: "I always tell people that military chefs get so many diverse opportunities.

"They do everything that civilian chefs do, but with that little bit more."

WO Smith serves as Food Services Warrant Officer (FSWO) for 42 (North West) Brigade.

He lives in Manchester with his wife and three children, although his parents and sister still live in North Lincolnshire.

He was nominated for the MBE for showing a tireless personal commitment to the youth agenda in the north-west.

It was a reward for sharing his catering expertise with local communities, including being a mentor and judge in the Lancashire Young Chef of the Year competition.

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