A Royal Navy officer from Hampshire who helped supply warships during the Iraq conflict has been awarded the MBE in the New Year's honours list.

Robin Knights, 44 of Kingston in Netley Abbey. helped supply troopships from Bristol and Devonport during the war against Saddam's regime.

Lieutenant Commander Knights saw action in the previous Gulf War in 1990 when he served on board HMS Scylla. He also served on board HMS Illustrious.

He joined the Royal Navy as a junior seaman 28 years ago and rose through the ranks. He plans to retire next year.

He said: "I am absolutely over the moon. It is a great honour."

Lieutenant Commander Knights also praised his family - wife Lynne and the couple's three children Hayley, 18, Katie, 16, and Paul, 15 - for their support during the recent conflict.

He said: "They are equally delighted and it is a great credit to them. During the preparations last year, I was away a lot over Christmas and they took the brunt of it."