AN Inverclyde businessman says he is 'honoured, humbled and delighted' to have been named on the King's New Years Honours List.

Puneet Gupta, who is the co-founder and chief executive officer of Greenock export firm PG Paper, was made an OBE for services to business, charity and the Scottish community.

The Kilmacolm entrepreneur found out he had been honoured in early December and has to keep it secret until an hour before the official announcement, when he told his family.

Puneet, who was at the King's first official engagement in Holyrood last year, says he is proud to be named on the new Monarch's first official list.

He told the Tele: "I found out early last month but was sworn to secrecy, the only person who knew was my wife.

"I told my family just shortly before the official list was released.

"It's an exciting time and I am really delighted."

Puneet's wife and co-founder of PG Paper Dr Poonam Gupta, was previously honoured with an OBE.

His father, Dr Sadhu-Ram Gupta, was also recognised with an MBE in 2018 for his lifelong work improving ophthalmic services locally and for his mercy missions restoring sight to impoverished people in some of the most deprived countries in the world.

Puneet says he is excited to see who will be on hand to present the award.

He said: "I am not entirely sure who it will be presenting the awards, I should find out around April.

"It is very special to have made the King's first list, as I was actually at his first ever public reception.

"He had been invited to the event in honour of the British Asian Community as the Prince of Wales, but circumstances and timing meant he had changed title.

"It was excellent to be part of."