A SURGEON from the North-East has been named in the King of Nepal's birthday honours list.

Fred Nath, a consultant neurosurgeon at Middlesbrough General Hospital, has been awarded the Gorkha Bakshin Bahu - the equivalent of an OBE - for his contribution to neurosurgery in Nepal.

It is believed the honour has been bestowed on a foreign doctor only once before.

Mr Nath has worked in Nepal as a brain surgeon and has also sent equipment to Nepalese hospitals.

He said: "I'm absolutely delighted to receive this award. It has come totally out of the blue and is a huge honour."

He will travel to the country in October to receive his award.