A PROFESSOR from Sherfield-on-Loddon has been recognised in the New Year’s Honours list.

Peter Lansley, a professor at the University of Reading, received an MBE for leading national research projects into practical improvements for the elderly.

His work with national research councils has helped improve the design of buses, homes and streets with older people in mind.

The 67-year-old was among a handful of people from Hampshire to be recognised by The Queen, in a list that, for the first time, featured more women than men.

Mr Lansley, who holds the title Professor Emeritus of Construction Management, said the honour was a “great surprise”.

He added: “You do not expect to get these sorts of awards when you are just doing your job. It was a surprise and of course it was very nice to be honoured in this way.”

The grandfather-of-one and father-of-two said he was just as surprised to find himself working for ageing-related research programmes.

Mr Lansley began working on the projects in the mid-1990s following a chance phone call inviting him to join medical professionals to come up with day-to-day improvements for the elderly.

He added: “The award is recognition of the contribution of the many different players who have made the programmes such a success.”

Also recognised in the list was Maud Hobbs, who volunteers at North Waltham Primary School, in Steventon Road, North Waltham. She received a British Empire Medal for her voluntary work.

Elsewhere in Hampshire, Detective Chief Inspector Linda Dawson, of Hampshire Constabulary, was recognised with an MBE for her pioneering work to help the victims of stalking and harassment.

She assisted with the drafting of the Protection from Harassment Act 1997 and the subsequent Home Office training.

She said: “I am highly delighted. It is a great honour for me but could not have been achieved without the sheer tenacity, courage and expertise of many people who have been equally passionate about ensuring that victims of stalking are protected.”

Others recipients included Alexandra Day, director of adult continuing education at Peter Symonds College in Winchester, who received an MBE, and Winchester-based planning lawyer Richard Harwood QC, who was awarded an OBE for his services to planning and environment law decision-making.