AN eminent scientist from Penarth was among the people from Wales included in this year's New Year Honours List.

Professor Anthony K Campbell, 75, honorary research professor at the School of Pharmacy, Cardiff University, was awarded a CBE for services to biochemistry.

He said: “I am pretty chuffed. I have had some wonderful emails and texts and a beautiful reaction from my five children.

“It was a fantastic end to a bumpy year.

"A crucial part of my work has been bioluminescence.

"It all started with curiosity about a jellyfish that flashes in the dark.

"This was a real puzzle originally to my medical colleagues who weren't clear what this had to do with medical research."

Professor Campbell was born in Bangor, North Wales, in 1945, but grew up in London, attending the City of London School.

He obtained an exhibition at Pembroke College, Cambridge, and then a first class degree in natural sciences and a PhD in biochemistry at Cambridge University.

He moved to Cardiff as lecturer in medical biochemistry at the then Welsh National School of Medicine in 1970, and then became professor in medical biochemistry, followed by professor in the School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences at Cardiff University.

He is an international authority in cell signalling, that lies at the heart of how hormones, neurotransmitters and drugs affect the human body.

Professor Campbell founded the Darwin Centre in 1993, based in Pembrokeshire, which aims to engage and enthuse young people, families, and communities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

In 2016, he and his wife Stephanie set up The Young Darwinian, an international journal for school students to publish their projects and scientific experiences.

Their current flagship project is focused on the occurrence of microplastics and their damaging effect on living systems.

He has been a keen naturalist and musician all his life, as a tenor soloist, conductor and viola player.

Now he is developing a project ‘DNA sings’ to convert light into music.

As a young scientist he was a keen bridge player playing regularly for Cambridge University and Cambridgeshire County.

Now, after 45 years, he has started playing again.

Professor Campbell is chairman of Penarth Bridge Club, plays for East Wales, and writes weekly bridge articles for the Penarth Times.

He has five children and six grandchildren.