A Ledbury soldier has been made an MBE for his dedication to an international radar development project.

Staff Sergeant Stephen Wheeler's work took him away from home for months on end, despite the fact that he was battling with ill-health.

He used his skills as an electronics technician to help get a new radar system up and running, working alongside colleagues in Britain, France and Germany.

Staff Sergeant Wheeler, 42, said: "Basically, I was just doing my job."

He was nominated in the New Year honours list by his boss at the Defence Procurement Agency in Bristol.

The father-of-three said: "I was just a bit flabbergasted. It was totally unexpected. I'm still stunned, to be honest. I've not taken it in at all. It's just a massive honour."

His wife Helen said: "I'm very proud of him and pleased he has got something for all his hard work."

The Wheelers are looking forward to their appointment with the Queen or Prince Charles at Buckingham Palace on June 22, the day before Staff Sergeant Wheeler's birthday.

However, Staff Sergeant Wheeler, who previously worked as a technician on military projects at the now redundant MoD base in North Malvern, has already celebrated with his friends at Ledbury Rugby Club.

He said: "Following a match in Tewkesbury last weekend, they presented me with a magnum of champagne, which was duly drunk.

"They know how to treat people at Ledbury Rugby Club."