THE man in charge of catching the county’s doorstep conmen has admitted being overwhelmed after being named in the New Year’s Honours list.

Martin Woodley, Trading Standards doorstep crime team leader, has been made an MBE for helping to catch people who dupe elderly and vulnerable victims often out of thousands of pounds.

Mr Woodley said: “I was overwhelmed and felt humbled when I opened the letter to see I had been offered the MBE for my work within Trading Standards.

“I had to re-read the letter several times. I feel very proud and honoured to receive the award.”

He thanked his team, as well as councillor Judith Heathcoat, council leader Keith Mitchell, police and, most of all, the people who come forward after becoming a victim of a crime.

This year his team has seen a huge reduction in the amount of money rogue traders have taken from elderly and vulnerable victims.

Last year, at least £511,254 was taken by doorstep conmen.

But this year, the amount was reduced to just £155,608 – despite an increase in reported incidents from 264 to 366.

His team has also stepped in during 67 rogue trader incidents, which has helped to save Oxfordshire residents more than £79,000.

Richard Webb, deputy head of Oxfordshire County Council’s Trading Standards, said: “We are all very pleased to see Martin honoured in this way for his tireless work to reduce the harm caused by doorstep crime.

“He and his team see all too frequently the devastating effect that these crimes can have on victims. Knowing the effect that these crimes can have drives Martin to do all he can to bring the perpetrators to justice.

“He will never complain when a new incident means that he has to cancel his plans for the evening or weekend so he can support the victim and deal with the suspects. This approach is followed by all members of his team and they should all be proud of this award which recognises their hard work.”

Once a hospital maintenance worker, Mr Woodley began working for Trading Standards as an operational assistant 22 years ago, working his way up to Doorstep Crime Team Leader.

Describing what keeps him motivated, he said: “It has such an effect on the victims, if only we could video the effect it has on their lives and show it back to the offenders, I think maybe one or two of them would think twice. One or two have really upset me, it’s horrific and that’s why I want to keep on top of it and do as much as I can.”

Mr Woodley has also fundraised in his west Oxfordshire village for a new church and other local causes.

THE COUNTY'S RECIPIENTS

KNIGHTS BACHELOR

* Stephen Bubb. Chief executive, Association of Chief Executives of Voluntary Organisations. For services to the Voluntary Sector.

* Dr David Edgeworth Butler CBE. O.A., Fellow, Nuffield College, University of Oxford. For services to Political Science.

* Prof Rory Collins. Co-director, Clinical Trial Service Unit and Epidemiological Studies Unit, University of Oxford. For services to Science.

* ORDER OF THE BATH

* Carolyn Downs. Chief executive, Legal Services Commission, Ministry of Justice. CBE

* Dr Christopher Brown. Director, Ashmolean Museum, University of Oxford. For services to Museums.

* Prof Hugh Godfray, FRS. Hope Professor of Entomology, University of Oxford. For services to Science.

* John Lloyd. Radio and Television Producer. For services to Broadcasting.

* Alastair Sykes. Formerly chairman and chief executive, Nestle UK. For services to the Food Industry.

* Sara Thornton, QPM. Chief Constable, Thames Valley Police. For services to the police. OBE

* Dr Dillian Gordon. Formerly Curator, National Gallery. For services to Early Italian Painting.

* Prof David Mant. Emeritus Professor of General Practice, University of Oxford. For services to Medicine.

* Philip Taylor. Senior Governor, HM Prison Wormwood Scrubs, HM Prison Service, Ministry of Justice. MBE

* Anthony Bagnall. Farm Foreman, HM Prison Bullingdon, HM Prison Service, Ministry of Justice.

* Susan Biss. Higher Executive Officer, Jobcentre Plus, Department for Work and Pensions.

* Fenella Gray. For services to the community in Bampton.

* Carol Jones. Head of Flight Operations, Cobham Aviation Services. For services to the Defence Industry.

* Philip Parker. Technical Support Unit manager, Thames Valley Police. For services to the police.

* Graham Smallbone. Chairman of Governors, Purcell School, Bushey, Hertfordshire. For voluntary service to music education.

* Jacinta Thorley. For services to Rural Affairs in the South East.

* Michael Todhunter, DL. For services to Special Needs Education and to the community in Berkshire.

* Peter Turner. For voluntary service to the Parkinson’s Disease Society in Banbury.

* Martin Woodley. Doorstep Crime Team Leader, Oxfordshire County Council. For services to Local Government.