Bacup-born Sir Paul, whose family still live in Lancashire, is to become the acting commissioner of the Metropolitan Police following the controversial resignation of previous boss Sir Ian Blair on December 1.

He was joined at the palace by fellow Lancastrians including former England rugby captain Bill Beaumont, who received a CBE, former Southport College lecturer Sir William Moorcroft, who was knighted, and Chorley charity worker Louise Stuart, who received an MBE.

Sir Paul, currently a deputy commissioner in the Metropolitan Police, is one of the favourites to become the boss of Britain's biggest police force.

He joined the Lancashire Constabulary in 1975 and rose steadily through the ranks before becoming the force's chief constable in 2002. Three years later, he took up his present post with the Met.

Mr Beaumont, 56, who now runs a textile business in Chorley, is a former England rugby union captain who received his award for services to rugby and charity.

He is now vice chairman of the International Rugby Board and a director of the Rugby World Cup. He is also involved in the Lancashire Branch of the Wooden Spoon Society, which helps buy sports equipment for under-privileged and disabled children as well as volunteering with the Lancashire Association of Clubs for Young People.

Mr Beaumont told the LEP: "It was fantastic and a great honour as I had my family with me. It was a great moment.

"The people with the CBEs went in one room and I was fourth in line. It was a great privilege – I didn't expect to get an honour.

"The Queen talked about rugby and she asked me what I was doing in rugby and I told her. She said it was quite a lot of involvement. We've got champagne. My three sons are with me but I've told two of them not to drink as they're playing rugby tomorrow."

Louise Stuart, 45, from Chorley, is a consultant podiatrist at Manchester Primary Care Trust and a senior lecturer in podiatry at the University of Salford.

She received an MBE for services to the allied health professions. The mum-of-two works hard for charities and organisations which raise awareness of the condition and has been a member of Diabetes UK for the past 15 years.

She said: "To be awarded an MBE is such an honour. I am delighted and I feel privileged.

"I now hope I can use the MBE to open doors to improve patient care and highlight the needs of diabetes patients."

Sir William, from Southport, has worked in education since 1983 including seven years as a hospitality lecturer at Southport College.