AN Internet pioneer from the region has been rewarded with an MBE from the Queen for his sterling work providing websites for community groups.

Bob Liddle, who suffers from multiple sclerosis, also met the former James Bond star, Sir Sean Connery, at an honours ceremony in Edinburgh.

Bob, from Stanley, has been instrumental in designing and creating hundreds of websites for local community groups and schools, bringing the benefits of Internet access to thousands of people locally and globally.

A former computer programming teacher at the Derwentside ITEC unit, Bob's pioneering work began at the launch of the Derwentside Infonet Project in 1996, where he recognised the potential of the Internet.

After helping a local organisation bid for equipment via their own web page, Bob was given equipment and software by Derwentside District Council.

Alan Hodgson, the council's director of corporate and development, said: "Bob was quick to recognise the opportunity the Infonet provided, however, no one could anticipate the scale of his personal contribution or how many community-based organisations would come to benefit. His success has been phenomenal.

"We channelled people to Bob and he created a website to meet their needs. Without his help, many of these organisations would not have had a professional web presence as early as they did."

To date, Bob has made websites for the People's Directory, which allows local companies to access CVs on-line, the Council for Voluntary Services and the Citizens Advice Bureau.

Bob, who is modest about his work, said: "It's difficult to know why I was chosen to receive such an award. I enjoy the work tremendously and it's opened up a whole new world for me.