An advisor at Ingrow's Vintage Carriage Trust Museum was awarded an OBE in the New Year's Honours List.

Richard Gibbon, pictured, who retired after 15 years as head of engineering collections at the National Railway Museum, York, in July, was given the honour for his service to museums.

Richard said: "I am so proud and thrilled that my work has been recognised by those outside my own field.

"My passion has been to communicate how truly awe-inspiring the work of great engineers' like Brunel and Stephenson can be to people who would not normally come into contact with these things. Working in museums has given me a wonderful opportunity to celebrate, enjoy and share that passion."

The 60-year-old chartered mechanical engineer has worked as an advisor to the Ingrow museum for more than four years. He used his wealth of expertise to take an active role in the running of the museum.

Richard, from Lymm, Cheshire, started his working life at 18 on an engineering apprenticeship in Trafford Park, Manchester. He moved to Eggborough Power Station, near Selby, installing steam turbo alternators, before he travelled the world as an engineering officer with the Merchant Navy.

After returning home to work on the brakes for the tilting advance passenger train with Ferodo Ltd, he started his love affair with museums in 1978.

He helped to set up a new industrial museum in Kelham Island, Sheffield, which included a steam driven rolling-mill engine that was restored to run daily for the public.

He said when he was asked to be the curator of engineering at the National Railway Museum, it was the chance to combine his love of railways and museums and was "the best job in the world".

Richard, who is married with four children and one granddaughter, has also made several television and radio appearances during his career. Last year he was also presented with a lifetime achievement award by the Transport Trust and a plaque for outstanding achievement in railway presentation by the Heritage Railway Association.