MBE for Dan Jarvis, Army major turned Barnsley MP

A spokesperson from Mr Jarvis's campaign office called the MBE "historic"

A Barnsley MP has become the first serving politician in more than 60 years to be awarded a military honour.

Dan Jarvis was made an MBE by the Prince of Wales for his services to the armed forces.

Mr Jarvis resigned his commission as a major in the Parachute Regiment in March to contest the Barnsley Central seat for Labour in a by-election.

He designed a "pioneering" training system to teach troops how to spot signs of improvised explosive devices.

The MBE citation said the system had been "highly effective and has undoubtedly saved lives in Afghanistan".

Mr Jarvis, who is also the shadow culture minister, said he was delighted and proud to be receiving the honour from Buckingham Palace.

'Proud of Barnsley'

"There aren't many people in the House of Commons who have been in the military," he said.

"It's useful for us to be able to say we value our armed forces because I know they do amazing jobs in the most difficult circumstances.

"We were reminded of that in Barnsley recently when Pte Matthew Thornton, from Darton, tragically lost his life.

Dan Jarvis was a major in the Parachute Regiment for 15 years

"That was a very timely reminder of the sacrifice that people make on our behalf."

Mr Jarvis said although he was very proud of being in the Army for 15 years, he was "more proud" of standing up in Parliament to represent the people of Barnsley.

Other recipients of honours include artist Sam Taylor-Wood, ex-EastEnder and knife crime campaigner Brooke Kinsella and jazz singer Claire Martin.

A spokesperson from Mr Jarvis's campaign office called the MBE "historic".