ROMSEY professor Paul Little has been made a Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire for services to General Practice Research at the University of Southampton.

The professor of primary care research was the first GP to be awarded a Wellcome HSR training fellowship in 1993.

The father thanked his family for supporting him and putting up with his hours of work.

Among his two primary interests of research are the importance of health promotion and the management of self-limiting illnesses.

Professor Little said: “I am very touched by the fact that my colleagues appreciate what I have done to nominate me for this honour.

“There are so many people to thank, but I would like to acknowledge my GP colleagues who are working at the pretty touch coal face without whom no patients would be asked to participate in the studies I have done.”

His work for the last 25 years has been in the management of common infections, though a major focus of the past five years has been on developing internet-based behavioural support to help health professionals and their patients manage a wide range of health problems.

Professor Little added: “I would also like to thank the patients, who, despite being unwell, have given their time and energy to help in research that will benefit others, my immediate university and other colleagues, and lovely hard-working research teams who make it possible and fun to work together.

“To my great family for supporting me – and putting up with me working more hours than I should, thank you!”

Professor Little is also currently collaborating on projects led by colleagues for irritable bowel syndrome, depression and back pain.