A RETIRED architect and surveyor from St Albans, who is responsible for preserving some of the UK's most historic cathedrals, has been recognised in the New Years honours list.

Dr Donald Reeve Buttress of Fishpool Street has received an OBE for his 40-year service repairing and maintaining six of the finest cathedrals in England and Wales, including Westminster Abbey.

Others include Sheffield Cathedral, which dates back to the ninth century; Bangor in Gwynedd; Landaff in Cardiff, Wales; Chichester Abbey and Leeds Roman Catholic Cathedral.

The 75-year-old, who qualified as architect in 1956, went on to lecture at Manchester University. The father-of-five, who founded his successful architectural firm Buttress Fuller Alsop & Williams in 1978, is no stranger to royal recognition.

He was made a lieutenant of the Royal Victorian order ten years ago for his work on Westminster Abbey, the traditional place of coronation and burial site for English monarchs.

Dr Reeves, who has ten grandchildren, said: "It's very pleasing and it's nice that one's life time work is recognised."

Despite putting down his artistic pen after more than half-a-century, Dr Reeves is involved in the construction of the national memorial to the Queen Mother and George VI in the Mall near Buckingham Palace.

This he said will be the last of his architectural accomplishments.