A man who has dedicated his whole career to the defence industry has been awarded an MBE by the Queen.

Daryl Hayler, of St Ippolyts, began working in the industry as a 21 year-old at the British Aircraft Corporation in Stevenage. He stayed with the company through its various transformations, to what is now 42 years later, MBDA.

Earlier this month his hard work on guided weapons systems was recognised when he went to Buckingham Palace his wife Sue, and family friends to receive his medal for services to the defence industry.

Daryl, who is also president of Stevenage Rugby Club and membership secretary of Herts Rugby Football Union, had not known about his nomination by colleagues until he received a letter in the post.

“It was a total surprise, a pleasant surprise really,” he said. “Many people have been congratulating me.

“I was given the award by the Queen herself. She asked me what in defence I was involved with and asked me if I travelled quite a bit. It was all a wonderful surprise.”