OMAGH man John Hall officially received his MBE from the Queen recently, saying it was "a memorable occasion."

Originally from Pettigo, John Hall MBE was a charge nurse at the Tyrone and Fermanagh Hospital for many years and received his MBE in the New Year Honours List for services to healthcare in the North.

"It was a memorable occasion and you could say, I suppose, a little overwhelming," John admitted. "Myself and my family went over to London for the occasion and spent a few days over there.

"We turned up at Buckingham Palace at 10am on the day and it was all over at 1pm – but that was including photographs and all the rest."

In a 39 year career in the health service, John retired almost three years ago.

He continued, "During my career I worked with so many people who would have been deserving of an honour like this and that has made me feel very humbled by this – it is a great recognition."

And as for meeting the Queen...

"It turned out to be a very short conversation," he added.

"But having said that, she had a word for everyone."