HASTOE Housing Association managing director Andrew Williamson regarded his OBE as an award for the firm's employees.

"I'm really pleased for the staff at Hastoe, who are fabulous," he said.

"There are over 69,000 people in the country working in housing associations who are doing a really good job, so I was surprised to find out I'd been nominated."

Mr Williamson, 59, of Avebury, joined the firm 22 years ago and was given the award for services to rural housing and environmental sustainability.

Mr Williamson, who is married with two sons, said rural projects helped to "strengthen the community bond and maintain the social structure of villages."

The aim was to cut down the shortage of low cost housing for young village families.