A PROFESSOR from Barrow has been awarded an OBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours List 2021.

Professor Helen James is currently deputy vice-chancellor at Canterbury Christ Church University and has received the honour for her services to higher education.

The former Thorncliffe School student is delighted with the accolade and revealed how her hometown kickstarted her career.

Professor James said: "I am absolutely thrilled to receive this honour. Thank you everyone, north and south, England and Wales, industry, further and higher education who has been part of my journey.

"My passion for engineering, learning and widening participation started when I was 16 and I began my apprenticeship as a mechanical engineer in Vickers Shipbuilding, Barrow-in Furness."

With a distinguished career in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), both within the engineering industry as a mechanical engineer, Professor James has over 20 years’ strategic leadership experience in roles in universities in South East England and also North East Wales, where she led high profile engineering projects.

A Fellow of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE), she was named Woman of the Year 2005 for Science and Technology, Wales, in recognition of outstanding services to engineering. Professor James has also held many national directorships and board membership roles related to STEM and widening participation.