A GROUP captain now working at RAF Leeming has been awarded an OBE for his contribution to the National Cyber Security Programme.

Ian Chesworth, who took over as commanding officer of the 90 Signals Unit at the RAF base in North Yorkshire, was nominated in recognition of his previous work with Defence Intelligence in London.

He officially received an OBE at the Queen's Birthday Honours earlier this month.

After achieving the honour, Mr Chesworth said: "I am absolutely honoured by this award and humbled by the people who took the time to nominate me for it.

"This is a testament to the great people that I worked with on the Ministry Of Defence Cyber Programme, and across the wider Defence Intelligence team.

"I also could not have done it without the support and love of my wife, Trudie, and children, Tara and James."

The group captain's award was commended by air commodore Tim Neal-Hopes who praised Mr Chesworth's "dedication and leadership".

Mr Neal-Hopes said: "His quite remarkable dedication and outstanding leadership in this area of strategic importance has delivered a quantum leap forward in how Defence is tackling the perpetually evolving threat from cyberspace.

"His professional mastery has shone brightly at the highest levels.

“Group Captain Chesworth has been at the heart of setting strategic policy and direction.

"He has delivered a revolutionary approach to how the Nation and Defence conducts its cyber activities and Defence and the Nation would be a less secure place were it not for his outstanding efforts.”