A BUTTERFLY enthusiast who “almost single-handedly” saved a rare species from extinction has been awarded a British Empire Medal for services to nature conservation.

Neil Hulme, 56, from Worthing, has spent 20 years volunteering to protect butterflies and moths with Butterfly Conservation.

The charity said he saved the rare Duke of Burgundy butterfly from local extinction, intervening to work with landowners and the South Downs National Park Authority.

Mr Hulme said: “It is a great honour to be recognised in this manner and I’m absolutely delighted, but the conservation of butterflies is always a team effort, so it is equally a recognition of my colleagues, and particularly the volunteers of Butterfly Conservation Sussex Branch.

“This is also for my parents. My passion for butterflies and dedication to helping them is entirely their fault.”