A LIFETIME'S contribution to the development of cutting-edge radar technology was recognised with a prestigious award on Wednesday night.

Bev Nichols, of Whitbourn Close, Malvern, was awarded the Johnston Memorial Trophy in a ceremony held by the Guild of Air Pilots and Navigators in London's Guildhall.

Mr Nichols has been closely involved with the development of radar systems since joining the then Ministry of Supply in Malvern in 1964.

His work laid the foundations for the introduction of radar systems that allowed aircraft to fly safely much closer together, enabling UK Air Traffic Control to increase capacity and improve safety at the same time.

More recently, he has been working on secondment to the Civil Aviation Authority, developing an ultra-efficient radar system that will be introduced by most major European Air Traffic Service Providers in 2003.

Air Chief Marshal Sir Peter Squire, Chief of the Air Staff, presented him with the trophy.