An eminent economist who came out of retirement in Sidmouth to help sort out the country’s finances has banked his second knighthood.

Sir Alan Budd, who lives in Millford Road, got a promotion from the Queen in the New Year’s Honours.

He was first knighted in 1997 for services to the Treasury, and is now due a second visit to Buckingham Palace to collect his Knight Grand Cross (GBE).

The second award came as thanks for services to economic policy after he helped set up the Office for Budget Responsibility.

Sir Alan, 75, came out of retirement to set up the financial forecasting body, but said he would “think twice” about doing so again.

The economics professor said: “I never thought I would be recognised again – the news was a complete surprise but I’m very pleased.”

He said he is looking forward to seeing if he will be honoured alongside the Olympians after watching the Paralympians’ so-called Golden Thursday in person.

That was a boost for the UK and Alan said he continues to hope that the country will recover.

“I do think they are doing the best they can,” he said.

Sir Alan has not cut himself off completely from his interest economics, and continues to think and write about government policy.

He lives with his wife Susan in the same road as meteorologist Professor Brian Golding, who was honoured with an OBE in the New Year list.