A KINVER medicines expert has spoken of his delight after scooping an award in the Queen's birthday honours.

Ron Pate, from Mill Fields, has been awarded an MBE for services to hospital pharmacy during a distinguished career which has seen him win many accolades for his contribution to pharmacy.

Mr Pate, aged 59, is currently a secondary care pharmaceutical adviser to the Department of Medicines Management at Keele University.

He said: "I am deeply honoured, it's really very much a tribute to some of the excellent colleagues I have worked with over the years to whom I am indebted and to the support of my family."

Mr Pate's work involves the study of medicines to work out which will provide the best treatment for patients while being cost effective for hospitals, GPs and health centres.

He is also a well-known author of research papers and contributor to text books relating to pharmacy practice and medicines use.

He has also worked as clinical director pharmacy and medicine management services for the Dudley Group of Hospitals and is a past president of the Guild of Healthcare Pharmacists and former honorary secretary to the European Association of Hospital Pharmacists.