A QUARRY inspector from Wellington says he is ‘humbled’ to have been awarded an MBE in the New Year Honours List.

Eric Darlow, 74, was honoured for his services to the quarrying industry, having served 56 years in various roles.

Mr Darlow said: “I was very surprised and really humbled when I heard, but also very pleased.

“I think I was put forward by the Institute of Quarrying.”

Mr Darlow first moved to Wellington in 1973 to take up the appointment of HM inspector of quarries for the South-West.

He then returned to Somerset in 1995 after retiring from the Health and Safety Executive, where he works as a nationwide independent consultant to the industry.

“I was very pleased and it wasn’t a hard decision to accept,” he said.