THE son of an Ickornshaw family has been made a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for services during the recent war in Iraq.

Captain David McGinnis, 42, served during the conflict as the garrison engineer in charge of constructing the massive tented camps, which provided homes for the 25,000 soldiers of the 1 (UK) Armoured Division before they crossed over the border into Iraq.

He is currently serving with the 527 Specialist Team Royal Engineer (Works), based at Chilwell, Nottingham.

His MBE was given in recognition of his work to ensure that every single soldier, before facing the trials of battle, was able to take a brief rest from the searing desert heat and relax after a decent shower.

He recognised the importance of boosting the morale of the British troops and worked with contractors to complete the daunting project in six weeks.

Captain McGinnis is now back in Nottingham where he lives with his wife, Jacqueline, two sons and two daughters.

He will pick up his award from Buckingham Palace when the final arrangements have been made.

His parents, Eric and Margaret, said: "We are thrilled for him and can't wait to see him when we have a family get-together in a few weeks' time."

Mrs McGinnis added: "We don't know the arrangements yet about when he will receive his award, but we will certainly be somewhere around in the background watching."