ROYAL recognition in the form of a British Empire Medal (BEM) has been awarded to a Wokingham resident for a dedicated service to sustainable energy.

Lesley Rudd, 58, of Finchampstead, was officially announced as a recipient of the prestigious award this evening (Friday, December 27).

A British Empire Medal is awarded by Her Majesty ‘for meritorious civil or military service worthy of recognition by the Crown’.

Mrs Rudd was given the honour for her 'impactful contributions to the UK's energy markets' which stem more than 30 years, and was described as "a national champion for clean growth."

Describing the honour, the Cabinet Office said: "In recent years she has worked closely with Her Majesty's Government to support and push for ambitious energy efficiency policies to reduce emissions and save households money on their behalf.

"She has worked on a range of energy policy issues, across the whole energy chain from upstream to downstream and in a number of countries, and has had a track record in leading successful campaigns for policy and regulatory changes.

"She has a consistent record of bringing together progressive thinkers and challenging conventions that perpetuate the role of costly, highly polluting fossil fuels in the UK's homes.

Ms Rudd, Chief Executive Officer for the Sustainable Energy Association, said the award was more about 'getting publicity for climate change' than it was about herself.

She added: "This year has seen a huge swell in publicity for the climate change threat, thanks to people like Greta Thunberg, however so far it's been a lot of talking - 2020 needs to be a year of action.

"The only people who know about the announcing of my name are my husband and my children - otherwise I would keep it to myself.

"I went to visit the British Ambassador to Norway last year, who told me that Norwegians aren't impressed by letters before or after names - they are 'practical people' who only value it if it has a purpose.

"I'm from Newcastle, so I also feel akin to the Norwegians in that sense - hopefully my BEM will be useful to get people interested in saving the environment."

Mrs Rudd was among several others from the county who were awarded in the New Year's Honours list 2020, including Professor of Climate Science at the University of Reading, Edward Hawkins, who was honoured with an MBE for services to Climate Science and Science Communication. Raymond Tapken, 88, from Reading, was also awarded a MBE for services to young people having worked more than 20 years with the YMCA Reading.

Managing director of Fleximobility and Secretary General of the Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle Converters' Association Linda Ling was also awarded an MBE in the honours list for services to people with disabilities.