AN ARMY major from Thornbury has spoken of his delight and surprise after being recognised in the New Year’s Honours list with an MBE.

Former Castle School and Christ the King pupil Major Martin Morrissey, 33, was awarded for his work in optimising the procedures for deploying the country’s armed forces.

Martin left Thornbury to study Politics, Philosophy and Economics at York University before deciding on a career in the military, graduating from the prestigious Sandhurst College and veteran of four tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Currently based in Catterick with the Royal Lancers, 33-year-old Martin lives in Salisbury with his wife Amelia, a lawyer in the army.

Learning the news on Boxing Day after being called by his commanding officer, Martin and Amelia had been sat around the dinner table in Thornbury with his parents Patrick and Lesley, and brothers Andrew and Simon.

“In any other setting a call like that over Christmas would mean work, so it came as quite a surprise when I was told I would receive an MBE,” said Martin.

“I went into the other room expecting to be told I would need to get my gear together and be deployed to assist with flooding or whatever else they might require me for.”

His father Patrick said that when he “came back into the room saying something weird had happened” everyone was left “dumbstruck” by the news, but that all were absolutely delighted and proud of him.

Martin added: “Being told I had been named on the list on Boxing Day was the perfect setting, with my wife, parents and brothers all there.

“The only problem was that we had to keep it a secret until the official announcement in the London Gazette.

“Having to keep it under wraps was frustrating for everyone, but at the same time, it was great to celebrate together as a family with a glass of fizz.”

Having been based all over the world through his work in the army, Martin said he had received an abundance of emails and letters congratulating him on the honour.

He said: “It has been amazing to hear from so many people that I used to work with, some I have not spoken to in years.”

No date has been confirmed for the ceremony, but Martin said he expected it would take place sometime before Easter.

“I am still waiting for the letter that would tell me when it is going to be, as well as whether it will be taking place at Buckingham Palace or Windsor Castle, and who will be presiding over it,” he said.

“Those in the military receiving honours will most likely be grouped together for the same ceremony I expect, so sadly I don’t think I will be lined up alongside the many Olympians who are also being honoured.

“I get to take three people to the ceremony, which of course will be Amelia and my parents. It should be a very memorable family day out!”