HEAD of Hampshire county council's student support unit Judith Archer has been awarded an MBE in the New Year honours.

Judith, 57, received the prestigious honour for her services to higher education and supporting students receiving student loans and grants. The 25-strong team, which Judith has led for the past 14 years, has administered a loan and grant service to around 21,000 university and college students from Hampshire.

In addition, Judith has played a key role nationally in developing the new student award process and the new national IT system for student loans.

Judith said: "I am delighted - and surprised - to receive this MBE. Most importantly, it is a recognition of the tremendous teamwork within the unit and our achievements have been as a result of their hard work and dedication to getting the job done to the highest of standards."

Hampshire county council leader Cllr Ken Thornber said: "My heartfelt congratulations to Judith on her MBE which is most deserved. She and her team provide an excellent service to students from Hampshire in higher education, and they have been at the forefront nationally in establishing new and improved ways of working."