Bob's top award

Bob, who has worked for East Sussex County Council since 1994 and before that in Surrey, Warwickshire, Isle of Wight and Hertfordshire, said: '' I am delighted with this honour, which really is a recognition of the high quality work my staff do for East Sussex , the region and nationally.''

Bob is a Chartered Engineer and Chartered Environmentalist. He studied Civil Engineering at Manchester University and for an M.Sc. at Warwick University. He is married to Sue, a primary school teacher, and has three grown up children. Bob lives in Ringmer.

Cheryl Miller, East Sussex County Council's Chief Executive, commented: "I am sure my delight at this recognition of Bob Wilkins' massive contribution to Transport and Environment, not only within East Sussex but also regionally and nationally, will be shared by everyone at East Sussex County Council and by all its partners in the local community.

"Bob has helped to put East Sussex at the forefront of sustainable waste management policy and practice, to protect the county's outstanding natural environment and saved many lives with the innovative road safety initiatives he has introduced. He will be sorely missed and very difficult to replace when he retires from the County Council in 2007."