TWO retired biologists have been honoured for their service to a group that advises the Government.

Barry and Muriel Woodward, of Gilesgate, Durham City, received the President’s Medal from the Institute of Biology at a ceremony in London.

The pair are former chairmen of the institute’s northern branch. Mr Woodward, who was science librarian at Durham University, also served as secretary.

They have also both acted as judges for biological projects entered for awards in regional school science fairs. Mrs Woodward, who worked at the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Fisheries, represented the institute at careers events and had given presentations to school pupils.