Dr Roopa Salwan, a Consultant Cardiologist at the Max Devi Vascular Unit in New Delhi, India and John Armitt Chairman of the Olympic Delivery Authority have both been awarded the Chartered Institute of Building's (CIOB) Presidents Medals.

The President's medal is presented each year at the CIOB's Annual Dinner in London's Guildhall for outstanding contribution by an individual. An honour normally reserved for professionals in construction.

Speaking about Dr Salwan's award Martin Chambers CIOB President said: "In my opinion there are too many occasions where the construction industry sees its work as the end itself, rather than simply being the means to an end. As an industry we really are only enablers.

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"Based on my experiences during a recent CIOB visit to India, I can safely say that without the dedication, attention to detail, and hard work of Dr Roopa Salwan and her team at the Max Devi Cardiac hospital in New Delhi it is most likely that I would not be here to present this medal."

John Armitt Chairman of the Olympic Delivery Authority and former Chief Executive of Network Rail also received a Presidents Medal. Martin said: "John is for me a giant amongst business leaders. His ability to distil information, assess the situation, and then do exactly the right thing are indeed rare qualities.

"On the 23rd February 2007 the 17.15hrs Virgin Pendolino service from London Euston to Glasgow, was derailed at Lambrigg in Cumbria. This was an event that tragically resulted in one passenger being killed and a number of others seriously injured.

"Having taken stock of the situation John took the bold step of going on national television to confirm that the accident was Network Rail’s responsibility.

"His action was in my opinion without precedent but also came from the heart. John’s words and actions said volumes and truly reflected the sense of loss that people right across the railway industry and further afield felt that day."

(CD/JM)