Honorary knighthood for Eden Project boss

Tim Smit said he wanted to share the honour with his friends and colleagues

The chief executive of the Cornwall's Eden Project, Tim Smit, has been made an honorary knight.

The Dutch-born co-founder of the attraction near St Austell has received the KBE in recognition of services to public engagement with science.

Mr Smit, who was previously appointed an honorary CBE in 2002, said he was hugely honoured by the accolade.

The project, built in a former china clay pit, opened in March 2001. Some 12 million people have visited it.

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office confirmed his honour, which sees Mr Smit become a Knight Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (KBE).

Mr Smit said: "In the true spirit of 'going Dutch', I would like to share the honour with all the fabulous friends and colleagues who have helped make the adventures of the Lost Gardens of Heligan [which he helped restore] and the Eden Project a reality."