Dr Beckensall received the award in the New Year Honours for services to prehistoric rock art and history in Britain.
He has a long-standing passion for archaeology and, in particular, Northumberland’s prehistoric sites.
During his working life, he spent 11 years training teachers in Alnwick and was the headteacher at Rothbury Middle School.
He is giving a talk at Wooler Youth Hostel tomorrow at 7.30pm. For tickets, visit https://prehistoricnorthumberlandtalk.eventbrite.co.uk