A man who has served Westland for more than 40 years has been named in Her Majesty the Queen's New Year Honours List.

Richard Case, currently holding the positions of AgustaWestland MD and chairman of Westland Helicopters, has won a CBE for his contribution to the aerospace and defence industry.

He joined Westland Helicopters Limited as an engineering apprentice in 1961. Obtaining a masters degree in aircraft propulsion from the Cranfield Institute of Technology in 1969, his career has involved him in many of the defining moments in Westland Helicopter's history, embracing a broad spectrum of executive management, and

Mr Case is no stranger to prestigious awards. His personal contribution to the success of the Anglo-Italian development of the EH101 helicopter has already earned him an award from the Italian government and in1998 he was awarded the Royal Aeronautical Society's Gold Medal for his contribution to rotary wing aviation in the UK.

Commenting on the CBE, he said: "This award is a reflection of the outstanding support I have received over the years from my colleagues and workforce at AgustaWestland and they should share with me, the honour and accolade of this significant recognition."

Richard and his wife, Denise, live at Horsington, Somerset. They both enjoy golf, foreign travel, theatre and opera. The couple has a son, Jonathon, and a daughter, Suzanne, both at university.