The university won the award for pioneering work on DNA fingerprinting

The University of Leicester has won an award from the Queen for its pioneering genetic research.

The genetics department is hoping the award will lead to more research money being attracted to the university.

University vice-chancellor Robert Burgess said he was "absolutely delighted" by the award, which was presented to 10 university staff and students at Buckingham Palace on Wednesday.

Staff from Loughborough University are also receiving an award from the Queen for their work in sports research.

Police dramas

Mr Burgess said the University of Leicester won the Queen's Anniversary Prize was for "pioneering work in DNA fingerprinting" that has revolutionised criminal detection worldwide.

"Every time you see police dramas and DNA tests on TV - you should think 'that is the University of Leicester again'," he said.