A COMMODORE of the Royal Navy has been honoured in the New Year's Honours List for his exemplary performance with the force.

Martin Atherton, 54, who spends much of his time at Bratton Clovelly, has been awarded an OBE for his performance as Naval Regional Commander, supporting the Royal Navy's contribution during an intense period of public events including the Queen's Diamond Jubilee, the London Olympics and the Battle of the Atlantic 70th anniversary.

Commodore Atherton, who now resides in Liverpool but used to live at Weir Quay, joined the Royal Navy in 1985, as a regular, and is now the Navy's representative in London and East of England, and looks after all aspect of the Navy's presence in the region including recruiting, reserves, operations, affiliations and warship visits.

So far he has received the General Service Medal, Gulf Clasp, 1988; Adriatic medal, Nato — Op Sharp Guard, 1994; Queen's Golden Jubilee Medal, 2002; and the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medal, 2012.

When asked what his favourite deployment has been, he said: 'Being in London and Eastern England for the Royal Navy during the unforgettable summer of 2012 with the Diamond Jubilee celebrations, the London Olympics and this year's 70th anniversary of the Battle of the Atlantic has been my best job ever.

'I am overwhelmed by the honour, which recognises a team effort, and deeply grateful that the navy gave me the chance to earn it.

'Humbled to think of others who've received it, but immensely proud to put it alongside the MBE my mother Sally [Sally Atherton MBE] was awarded in 1994 working for the charity King George's Fund for sailors, now Seafarers UK.'