HE'S the people's champion fighting for our healthcare.

Now Harry Dymond, who has worked tirelessly for patients' rights, has been honoured with an MBE.

The granddad of six devotes his spare time to Healthwatch Southampton, which gives a voice to people using health and social care services.

The organisation is a successor to Southampton LINk and before that the patient and public involvement forum.

Mr Dymond, 74, a retired British and American Tobacco scientist from West End, is also being recognised for his work in the community which includes more than 60 years' volunteering for St John's Ambulance.

Currently president of the Bitterne division and the eastern half of Hampshire, he has also served as chief commissioner for Hampshire between 1995 and 2003 and from 2003 to 2009 chief commissioner for operations in England.

Speaking to the Daily Echo, he said: “I am incredibly pleased, amazed and honoured.

“I haven't told my family yet. It has been very hard, especially over Christmas when you seen them and the grandchildren, but I felt for a number of reasons that it would be much nicer for them for it to be complete surprise like it was for me.”