A SOUTHAMPTON-born solicitor said he is “thrilled and humbled” to be appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire for his services to international family law.

Ex King Edward’s Grammar School pupil David Hodson was recognised in the Queen’s Birth-day Honours after 25 years fighting on behalf of families in the law courts. David has explained various aspects of the complex field of international family law to his colleagues in the legal profession at home and abroad.

Born in Portswood he began his career at Hepherd Winstan-ley and Pugh in Kings Park Road. He now works for the International Family Law Group LLP in central London.

He lives in Surrey but regularly attends St Peter’s Church in Hambledon with his family and goes to see the Saints.

He said: “I hope this honour increases awareness by law makers to the particular needs and issues of international families and their children.

“Outside their casework many family lawyers work incredibly hard, over decades, for a better system for those unfortunate as to be involved in family breakdowns and disputes.

"I believe this officially recognises that commitment and endeavour by so many around the country.”