AN 80-year-old Cenarth man has been awarded an MBE for services to automotive history in this year’s Queen’s Birthday Honours list.

Michael Worthington Williams is well known as a motoring historian, prolific author and journalist, whose name and reputation is respected throughout the historic vehicle movement both nationally and internationally.

His contribution to the field has been immense, through publications, books, magazine features and sometimes as the editor of journals.

However an equally important part of his contribution over many years has been his unstinting readiness to help assist and advise owners of historic vehicles, sharing his knowledge and being held in great esteem among historic vehicle enthusiasts.

He is the doyen of motoring historians in Britain and by virtue of his writing, internationally as well. He has preserved the historic element of Britain’s huge classic car industry with his output since 1956.

Along the way he has assisted countless authors, worked to save industrial archives and historic vehicles, chaired the Society of Automotive Historians in Britain, and led the way for the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency to restore historic registration numbers to vehicles.

In his retirement, he authenticates for people the history of their veteran, vintage and classic machines and gets them re-registered for the road, preferably with their original number plates restored.

Secretary of State for Wales Alun Cairns said: “I am proud to see people from all walks of Welsh life being recognised for their achievements.

“It is with great delight that I congratulate those who have been recognised in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list. These honours acknowledge the incredible achievements of outstanding individuals who work tirelessly to improve the lives of others and inspire those around them.”