AN ENTREPRENEUR from Penarth has been awarded an MBE in The Queen's birthday honours list.

Julian Baines, of Sully Road, has gained the title of Member of the British Empire for his work in life sciences in Wales.

Mr Baines is the CEO of EKF Diagnostics which is headquartered in Penarth and has received the honour as part of the Queen's traditional honours list as she celebrated her 90th birthday this month.

EKF is global medical diagnostics business with a history in point-of-care testing and laboratory manufacturing.

Mr Baines - who celebrated his 52nd birthday on Tuesday - described the award as a "big shock and a great honour".

"It was a really pleasant surprise," he said.

"I found out when I received a letter in April and was told I can't say anything until it is announced in June."

He still does not know who nominated him for the honour but he said it was a very proud moment.

Mr Baines was born and raised in the Penarth and Dinas Powys areas, attending St Cyres school.

Having spend all his life in the town, Mr Baines has spent a long time trying to grow businesses in the area.

He added: "It's such a great place to live and I have never wanted to leave."

He has received many messages of congratulations from friends and family and celebrations are being planned to mark the achievement.