A DUNMOW man has received an OBE for his 26 years of service working with a humanitarian charity.

Michael Goodhand, of Great Dunmow, has been recognised with the Order of the British Empire in the Queen's Birthday Honours List, announced on Friday, June 16.

The dedicated professional has spent more than 26 years working for both the Red Cross internationally and for the British Red Cross.

He joined the British Red Cross logistics department, where he became head in 1991.

Since then he has led the logistics for every humanitarian response operation run by the charity, working to minimise the damage from some of the most catastrophic natural disasters ever including the Asian Tsunami, hurricane Katrina and the Haitan earthquake.

Mike said: “Receiving the OBE is great recognition of the team I’ve got and the team I’ve had, and it’s great that it recognises how logistics play a key role in the humanitarian work overseas.

"I’ve done this job for 26 years, and whilst there’s always been public awareness of the important roles doctors play, for example, there’s always been much less about the support role played by logistics.

“When I first heard about the award, the only person I told was my mother, Elisabeth - and she was delighted. For all the grief and anxiety we put our families and friends through, it seemed right that I should tell her first.

"But I feel really lucky to have been able to do such a worthwhile job for the British Red Cross and the Red Cross Movement.”

He still holds the head of logistics role and manages four relief supplies globally.

Mike Adamson, chief executive of the British Red Cross, said:“'I am so delighted for Mike. He has been a very dedicated member of staff at the British Red Cross for many years, and is an exemplary leader to his team. He truly deserves this recognition.

“Congratulations, Mike. And thank you for all you have done to support people in crisis. We are all so very proud of you and everything you have achieved.”

Orders of the British Empire are awarded to civilians to recognised achievements in business, charity or the public sector.