The Nuclear Decommissioning Authority’s chief executive, John Clarke has been given a lifetime achievement award for services to the industry.

Mr Clarke picked up the award in front of 1,600 people at the Nuclear Industry Association dinner.

Baroness Neville-Rolfe, Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Minister, presented the title to Mr Clarke.

He said: The UK is a world leader in nuclear decommissioning and I take great pride in the small part that I’ve played in the industry. I’d like to thank the NIA and the Minister of State for Energy, Baroness Neville Rolfe for my lifetime award.

“Progress in our mission to clean up Britain’s nuclear legacy is not possible without true partnership, so for me this award is a reflection of the hard work and dedication of everyone in the NDA, our sites and supply chain.”

The award, which comes as Mr Clarke works towards his retirement next year, was in recognition for his services to the industry.

He announced his retirement in the summer after more than 30 years in the international nuclear industry.

During his career, he has worked as Sellafield production director for BNFL and managing director of International Nuclear Services Ltd.

His early career involved a range of roles in the design, development, commissioning and operation of nuclear fuel processing plants.

He is a chartered engineer and fellow of the Institution of Chemical Engineers.

A member of Sellafield’s executive team for eight years, he spent five years as head of environmental, health, safety and quality, followed by three years as director of production where he was accountable for the majority of operational activities at Sellafield.

Mr Clarke has been chief executive at the NDA since April 2012, having joined the board in 2008 initially as commercial director and then business planning director.