A BRIGHTON man who played a leading role in galvanising the international community response to the drought in Somalia has received a CBE.

Phil Evans, 63, of Sillwood Street?, has been recognised for his services to Humanitarian Relief

Phil joined the Department for International Development in 1993 and has since worked in Zimbabwe, DRC and Sierra Leone

In his current role, Phil is the Head of DFID’s office in Somalia.

He has held this position for four years.

He said: “I am both pleased and humbled to receive this award.

“The British aid programme makes a massive difference to millions of lives and I am very proud to be a part of it.”

International Development Secretary Penny Mordaunt said: “UK Aid saved lives and delivered hope in some of the poorest, most desperate and disaster stricken parts of the world throughout 2017.

“I am delighted to see that Phil’s individual contributions have been recognised in the New Year’s Honours and I congratulate him.

“For many, the festive season is a time for family and friends to come together.

“Yet so often, our humanitarian workers sacrifice this time to ensure UK aid gets to those who need it most, saving and improving millions of lives around the world.”