31/12/2007

The man behind the introduction of computers into British homes has been rewarded for his achievements with a CBE in the New Years Honours.

Steve Furber, of the University of Manchester, has been given the award for his work in the field of computer sciences, which has included the creation of the famous BBC Micro computers, which became the first machines to be widely used in people's homes.

In all, 1.5 million of the machines were sold across the country and the scientist has also worked on the ARM processor, which is now central to mobile communication electronics.

Speaking to the BBC on the announcement of his honour, Professor Furber said: "I've been fortunate to be in the right place at the right time to do something interesting and have also been surrounded by very good people."

He added that the CBE had come "completely out of the blue" and said that he was "delighted" with the award.