The Road Haulage Association (RHA) is delighted that the hard work and dedication of past chairman Andy Boyle has been recognised with the announcement that he has received an OBE in the New Year Honours.

Andy Boyle of Ledbury-based ABE said: "I was greatly surprised and honoured to be given this award. I see it as an acknowledgement of the efforts of the Road Haulage Association on behalf of the industry as a whole. Indeed it was the RHA and FTA, in collaboration with FairFuelUK, that saw the fuel duty increase planned for 1 January abandoned.

“Although the award has been given in my name, I in turn would like to acknowledge the tremendous number of unsung heroes both within the RHA, the industry. Thanks too to my own staff. It was only through their help and support keeping the business running that made my time as RHA chairman possible.”

RHA chief executive Geoff Dunning said: "Andy was a member of the RHA Board of Directors for many years before being elected Chairman. His integrity, judgement and overall professionalism are exemplary. He has and continues to be a pleasure to work with.”