An expert has received royal recognition for his work transforming an Essex island into a haven for wildlife.

Mark Dixon, of West Mersea, was made an Member of the British Empire (MBE) at a ceremony at Buckingham Palace yesterday.

The father, of Coast Road, was nominated by his employer, the Environment Agency, for his work creating wetland nature reserves on Wallasea Island, the Blackwater Estuary and at Brancaster, Norfolk.