A RESPECTED figure in the aviation industry from Reading has received an MBE today in the Queen’s 90th Birthday Honours.

Roger Hopkinson, president and former chairman of the Light Aircraft Association (LAA), accepted the award for services to the general aviation community.

The father-of-three had no idea his name had been put forward.

He said: “My immediate reaction was pride and amazement.

“Then there was a feeling of the importance of the honour especially as it is recognition by one’s peers who have made the proposal.”

Roger added that the accolade’s timing makes him feel so much more part of the monarch’s 90th birthday celebrations.

His passion for aviation began with building model planes before he built his own full-size aircraft.

He joined the board of the Popular Flying Association in 2005 and was then promoted to chairman a year later.

In the latter role, he oversaw the body’s rebranding into its current form as the LAA, which represents the interests of more than 7,000 pilots, amateur aircraft builders and aviation enthusiasts.

“Whilst I am privileged to have the award it is a reflection on those dedicated to ensuring we enjoy, protect and enhance the general aviation community,” continued Roger.

The newly-minted MBE hoped the honour would encourage others to develop a similar enthusiasm for flying.

He said: “It is far more attainable than most think.”

Other individuals recognised in this year’s Birthday Honours list include:

CBE

John Jeffrey Parkinson of Twyford, director of Motoring, Freight & London and chair of The Ability Network, Department of Transport, for services to transport and to diversity in the workplace.

OBE

Cllr Paul David Bettison of Little Sandhurst, leader of Bracknell Forest Council, for services to local government.

Andrew Raymond Fisher of Ascot, executive chairman of Shazam, for services to the digital economy.

Dr Stephen William Huntington of Reading, CEO and chairman of HR Wallingford, for services to engineering and environmental hydraulics.

Prof. Alan John Thorpe of Reading, former director-general of the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts, for services to environmental science and research.

MBE

Ms Ren Kapur of Twyford, founder and CEO of X-Forces, for services to the armed forces community.

BEM

Mrs Susan Brett of Maidenhead, founder of Foodshare/Open Kitchen, for voluntary and charitable services to tackling food poverty in Berkshire.

Ian Rodney May of Reading, head of building maintenance at the University of Reading, for services to higher education and to the community in Reading.

Mrs Sophie Annie Afriat Walters of Caversham, for services to the community in Reading.