THE man tasked with transforming the fortunes of a Basingstoke School has been appointed a CBE in the Queen's birthday honours list.

Jeffrey Threlfall, executive head teacher of John Hunt of Everest Community School, was recognised for his services to education.

He said: "I was surprised, but absolutely thrilled to bits."

Mr Threlfall took his up his position with John Hunt in June last year and was asked to help turn around the struggling Popley secondary school.

He was appointed as part of a trailblazing partnership with Wildern School, in Hedge End, near Southampton, where he is also headteacher.

He has provided support and expertise for former headteacher Lesley Phillipson, who retired in November, and for current acting headteacher Julie Rose.

It is the second time in a year that Mr Threlfall's work has been recognised. Last year, he won the UK Royal Air Force Teaching Award for Headteacher of the Year in a secondary school.

The Queen's birthday honours also included an MBE for the Duchess of Wellington, in recognition of her services to the community in Hampshire.

The Duchess is married to the eighth Duke of Wellington and lives at Stratfield Saye House, near Stratfield Turgis.

Also honoured was Hampshire's Chief Fire Officer, John Bonney, who receives the Queen's Fire Service Medal.

He joined London Fire Brigade in 1981 and moved to Hampshire from Gloucestershire 20 years later to become the county's Deputy Chief Fire Officer. He stepped up to Chief Fire Officer for Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service in July 2004.

Councillor Michael Cartwright, chairman of Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service, said: "This award is well deserved.

"John is a totally committed chief officer with a clear vision for Hampshire and how to make it one of the safest places in the country to live, work and visit."

The head of Hampshire's governor services, Dr Janet Sheriton, was made an MBE for her services to education. She has worked for the county for 20 years and has been a school governor since 1976.

Also made an MBE was Michael Norton, a dental advisor to Hampshire Primary Care Trusts, for his services to dentistry.

And Peter Woods' services to further education were recognised with an MBE. He is partnership director for Hampshire's Learning and Skills Council.