CLLR Paul Bettison, leader of Bracknell Forest Council, has had the "busiest weekend of his life" after news of his OBE was revealed in the Queen's Birthday Honours list. 

Leader of the council for 19 years, Cllr Bettison was officially named as a recipient of the Order of the British Empire for his services to local government last week.

After first finding out about the prestigious award six weeks ago, he says it is only now beginning to seem real with well-wishers clamouring to congratulate him.

He said: "It's a bit difficult to take in having kept it a secret for the last six weeks, now that it's out it's suddenly beginning to seem real. 

"Obviously I'm thrilled and I'm thrilled that I got it for being the leader of Bracknell Forest Council. I think it's great recognition for the area and for all the great things that have happened here and I'm happy to have been leader of the council at that time.

"I have had the busiest weekend of my life I think. I've had literally hundreds of of text and the cards have now started arriving too.

"It's very humbling because all the people that have been congratulating me, a great many of those people I would nominate for an award themselves! 

Cllr Bettison first became leader in April 1997 and says his biggest highlight so far was realising the long-awaited regeneration of Bracknell town centre would finally get underway.

He shows no sign of slowing down and says he still loves his role as leader of the council. 

"I still get up every morning and can't wait to get going with my first job of the day." he said.

"A particular highlight was when the Chief Executive Timothy Wheadon and I looked at each other and said the new town really is going to begin now and I think the one that will surpass that is when we stand there in one year's time and have the official opening, that will be huge.

"I have worked on it for 18 years, it will be the biggest project of my life. Except my marriage, which is at 40 years!"