A leading campaigner fighting against a new nuclear power station has been presented a prestigious medal.

Professor Andy Blowers, of Mersea, travelled to New York to receive the Alexander and Ilse Melamid Medal by the American Geographical Society.

The award recognised his “outstanding work” in the nuclear research field.

He is chairman of Blackwater Against New Nuclear Group - Banng - which opposes plans for a new Chinese-built power plant on the River Blackwater in Bradwell.

Speaking at the ceremony Prof Blowers said: “My lifelong interest as a geographer and social scientist has been the relationship between place, environment, people, and communities.

“My core concern has been with inequality and especially with the idea and reality of ‘peripheral’ communities, places at the margin which experience economic, social, political, and environmental disadvantage.”

Dr Deborah Popper, society vice president, and chairman of the honours committee, said: “Andrew’s work has pushed the public’s understanding of how we manage radioactive waste and what that means for society.

“AGS is proud to honor him for his contributions and meaningful dedication to education, public service, and our understanding of the complex interactions between energy and humankind.”

Prof Blowers was presented the award at Columbia University last month.

It is not the professor’s only award.

In 2002, he was awarded an OBE for Services to Environmental Protection.

He was also one of the pioneer academics who helped to set up The Open University in 1970.