RECOGNITION in The Queen’s Birthday Honours has come to more than a dozen people with strong links to north Hampshire.

TV presenter and journalist Clare Balding joins Group Captain Philip Robinson from RAF Odiham in being awarded an OBE.

Ms Balding has been recognised for services to journalism, particularly for playing a major part in the BBC's coverage of the London Olympics and later the Paralympics on Channel 4.

The 42-year-old became something of a national treasure following her coverage of London 2012, and just a few weeks ago she collected a special BAFTA award to recognise her on-screen contributions.

She described the OBE as the “pinnacle” of her recent achievements, saying in reaction to the news: “It has been a year of unexpected delights. This is the pinnacle.”

She sent a message to her 416,000-plus twitter followers when news broke, saying: “So many lovely messages – thank you so much and apologies if I don’t reply personally. Your kindness has overwhelmed me.”

Ms Balding made her television debut in 1995, introducing highlights at Royal Ascot, and has gone on to present major sporting events including successive Olympic Games, horse racing on Channel 4, and Crufts.

She grew up in Kingsclere and her father Ian Balding owns Park House Stables in the village, where her brother Andrew is now the trainer.

A total of 10 personnel from RAF Odiham were also included in the birthday honours list.

Group Captain Philip Robinson is to receive an OBE, while Major Simon Gough and Major David Sams will receive MBEs for exceptional achievement and service.

Warrant Officer Class 2 Alastair Rorrison has been awarded the Meritorious Service medal. Only 201 such medals are awarded to Armed Forces personnel across the country each year.

Squadron Leader Philip Wadlow, Corporal Richard Egan, Chief Technician Lee Pearce, Corporal Nathan Laver, Sergeant James Barratt and civilian Sarah Herring all received commendations.

Muriel Anstey Hirst, from Whitchurch, has been awarded a MBE for services to the University of Reading. Mrs Hirst has been associated with the university for more than 40 years as an administrative member of staff, and she set up an annual scholarship with her late husband Wallace Hirst, a professor of engineering.

The scholarship enables students from the developing world to study for a Master's degree in either agriculture and development or in renewable energy.