A WIMBORNE man has been awarded the MBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list.

Lieutenant Colonel Philip Evason, of the Parachute Regiment, was given the honour for his work in the Army Reserve Forces.

During his 30 years of service Philip has held a number of appointments, which included serving on operational tour, instructing at the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst and commanding a Specialist Training Group.

He is currently a Staff Officer at the Army Personnel Centre.

Philip said: “It is a great privilege to receive this award in recognition of my contribution over the years; I am absolutely delighted.

“I have had some wonderful opportunities with the Reserve Forces and I feel it is a really good way to put something back into society. During this time I was fortunate enough to have the support of my main employers; John Lewis, Waitrose and Marks and Spencer, enabling me to balance my full time civilian career with a fulfilling Reservist commitment.”

Philip moved to Dorset seven years ago and now advises in purchasing and supply chain management within the food and horticultural industries.