Dawlish News

Life is going swimmingly for a Dawlish man whose longstanding career with South West Water is being recognised with the MBE. Brian Hooper from Fay Road is to receive the honour for his services to the water industry, which span more than 30 years. The 59-year-old lives and breathes water, not only during the working week but also at weekends and in the evenings when he often goes out and about in Devon and Cornwall delivering talks to various groups and societies. Mr Hooper has held a wide range of jobs in the water industry, including work abroad in Egypt and the Bahamas; and sat on numerous national committees throughout his working life. He has been South West Water's conservation manager for the past eight years, and currently sits on DEFRA's national committee for water conservation, and the UK water committee for water conservation. Speaking from the Cornwall County Show where he is manning a South West Water stand, Mr Hooper said: "I work day and night for South West Water attending public events and giving talks. "Having dedicated 30 years of my life to the water industry, it's actually been recognised and I am very flattered."