I COULD not help but admire David Whitley and 40 years of dedication to the lifeboat service, while all the time earning his living in a day job.

The chief executive of the RNLI said: "I'm incredibly proud to see such a well-deserving person recognised in this way."

I think to award Mr Whiteley a BEM it is demeaning when we consider that pop stars earning megabucks gain a knighthood or even a peerage.

The chief executive of HMRC is leaving her job and has just been made a dame.

This is despite being labelled with "catastrophic leadership failure."

The awards are said to be given to people who have undertaken outstanding work in their communities.

I maintain that for genuine hard work in your day job you might get promotion, if you do, it does not signify that you are an extraordinary person and certainly does not warrant a further recognition from the Queen.

E Blackburn by email.