The first quadriplegic to sail solo across the Atlantic was among those honoured in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list.

Southampton’s Geoff Holt, who ended the 2,700-mile (4,345km) journey from Lanzarote to the British Virgin Islands in December, is made an MBE.

Mr Holt was recognised for his services to disabled sailing and said: ‘I am absolutely flabbergasted, it has been a big shock.

‘I have been fortunate enough to have been given awards in the past but this is recognition from the whole country.

‘My next goal over the coming years is to sail around the world so hopefully these three letters after my name will bring in more support.’