AN international physicist from Warrington has been awarded an OBE for his services to the world of science in the New Year's Honours List.

Professor Erwin Gabathuler, aged 66, began his career as a particle physicist after gaining a BSc and an MSc at Queen's University, Belfast.

After being awarded a PhD from the University of Glasgow he became a research fellow at Cornell University in New York.

When he returned to the UK in 1965 he began work at Daresbury Laboratory, helping to set up an experimental programme carrying out research using an electronic accelerator.

He has strong feelings about the lab's future, saying: "I would have probably remained in the US if Daresbury hadn't been built. It is crucial that we maintain a focal point at Daresbury for north west science."

In 1974 he moved to Geneva to lead a team of European scientists at CERN, the European Centre for Particle Physics. There he was appointed division leader of experimental physics and after three years was promoted to director of research.

In 1983 he returned to the UK as professor of physics in the high energy group at the University of Liverpool, and continued his work in Geneva, Hamburg and the United States. In 1990 he was appointed a fellow of the Royal Society.

He said: "It's always nice to receive some recognition, but it was completely unexpected. I was very delighted to receive the accolade, but I share the credit with my colleagues."

Former Sir Thomas Boteler High School pupil Geoffrey Brindle also received an OBE for public service.

The Warrington-born civil servant lived in Orford and Padgate before he began his long career with the Home Office.