A LEADING scientist who learned his trade at Newcastle University has been made an MBE for services to the water industry.

Dr Son Le, technology development manager at United Utilities, the country’s largest listed water company, received the award as part of the Queen's Birthday Honours.

Dr Le came to England at the age of just 13 as a Vietnamese war orphan and has since fashioned himself into a leading expert on advanced forms of waste treatment.

He graduated with an honours degree in chemical engineering from Newcastle University and later gained a PhD from Swansea University College of Wales.

His current role involves the development of processes for the sustainable treatment of wastewater and recycling of biosolids.

Dr Le, who now lives in Davenham, Northwich, said: "The honour was totally unexpected but I feel extremely proud. I'm grateful to many of my colleagues for their help with my work."