The UK’s foremost female atmospheric scientist has reached the heady heights of the New Year Honours list and been awarded a DBE.

As the Met Office’s chief scientist, Sidmouth resident Professor Julia Slingo has driven groundbreaking research into climate and weather services that protect lives and property around the world.

In a career that spans more than 30 years, she was the first woman to hold a professorship in meteorology and the first to be appointed president of the Royal Meteorological Society.

Prof Slingo said: “I’m honoured by this recognition, which acknowledges not just my work, but also the excellence of Met Office research and those we partner with around the world.

“The UK has been at the forefront of great advances in this field and, with continued investment, we can continue to lead the way and provide tangible benefits to people’s lives, to businesses and the wider economy.”

The damehood follows an OBE she received in 2008 for her services to climate science.

She has also served as the director for climate research at the Natural Environment Research Council’s National Centre for Atmospheric Science and was the founding director of the Walker Institute for Climate System Research at Reading University.

Sir Mark Walport, the Government’s chief scientific advisor, added: “Julia works tirelessly to promote the importance of weather and climate science, providing inspirational leadership of science in the Met Office and the wider UK and international community.

Also recognised at the Met Office was chief executive John Hirst, who was awarded a CBE for his contribution to national and international weather services to benefit the public.