A HOSPITAL consultant says he is “humbled and overwhelmed” to have been made an MBE in the New Years Honours list.

Dr Harnovdeep Singh Bharaj, based at Royal Bolton Hospital, has been recognised for services to people with diabetes in the South Asian community.

He works in his own time to develop and deliver services for disadvantaged and socially-isolated groups in order to provide better access to health and education.

Dr Bharaj developed the South Asian Lay Educator role, the first of its kind in the country, to address issues with language and different health care beliefs in these communities.

In partnership with the local diabetes service advisory group, he established a very successful annual diabetes road show in Bolton which has now been incorporated into the annual Bolton Health Mela.

He said: “I am overwhelmed, humbled.

“I have been supported by so many people and am full of gratitude for their support for helping me along the way to receiving this wonderful award."

Dr Bharaj, who is joint deputy chairman of the University of Bolton board of governors, said there was still much work to be done to educate communities, including those living in social deprived areas, about diabetes. He said this was even more important given the current pandemic, which puts diabetes at increased risk.

Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof George Holmes said: "This is truly wonderful news, Harni is truly deserving of this honour.

"He is a tremendous asset to the university and he also happens to be the most kind and lovely man.

"On behalf of the university family I would like to extend our warmest congratulations to Harni."

Another member of the team at Bolton NHS Foundation Trust has been named in the New Year’s Honours List.

The list is designed to celebrate individual outstanding achievements.

Dr Sharran Louise Grey, the principal clinical scientist, is now an OBE.

She has been recognised for services to blood transfusion and to patient care.

Bolton resident Robert Derek Calrow has been recognised for charitable and political service with an OBE.

Gongs for people tackling the Covid-19 pandemic is set to be a recurring theme in the New Year and Birthday Honours list for many years as the pandemic “evolves”, the Cabinet Office has said.

Elite research scientists developing vaccines, effective therapies and also monitoring the secondary impacts of the crisis on public have received gongs as well as the medics helping the NHS adapt. There were 231 people named in the New Year honours – 18.6 per cent of the total – for their services to the coronavirus crisis. Nominations for honours can be put forward by the public.