Business leaders and charity workers are recognised

FUNDRAISER Dorothy May Fisher, aged 84, has "given continuing service over 50 years, giving selfless, passionate support to animal welfare in Cornwall through the Camborne RSPCA branch", according to the citation from the Cabinet Office.

"She has raised hundreds of thousands of pounds and educated children in animal care and caring for the wider environment, so producing an ongoing legacy."

After learning she was to receive the British Empire Medal (BEM), the modest volunteer said: "In the beginning I said, 'oh no, no, no; I am not going to have it because I am not worth it'. I love animals and it is my purpose in life to look after them because somebody has got to speak for them.

"But if I do accept it, it is on behalf of my team because I can't do this on my own."

Mrs Fisher, who was awarded the RSPCA's Queen Victoria Bronze medal in 2006, starting organising fundraising bazaars, dog walks, fashion shows and street collections, and in 1990 opened a charity shop at Basset Road, which she still runs.

She had the innovative idea in 1987 of setting up an 'envelope' scheme, encouraging local people to contribute on a monthly basis.

She also entertains the elderly in local residential homes.

The owner of Truro's Plaza Cinema has dedicated his appointment as MBE to family and staff. David Williams, managing director of WTW Cinemas, said he would never have received the title from the Queen "for services to regional cinema" without decades of support from wife Angela, sons Rob and Mark, and "top class" employees.

The Government's Cabinet Office said: "He has built WTW Cinemas into one of the key regional cinema companies in the UK, bringing cinema entertainment to communities that major companies do not serve."

His family also owns the White River in St Austell, Regal in Wadebridge and Newquay's Lighthouse Cinema.

He said: "It's not the sort of thing you ever expect. But then when the reality of it sinks in you realise what an honour it is and also how much you owe to other people."

Mr Williams joined the family business in 1966, later becoming a director and then managing director. In 1996 WTW acquired and refurbished the closed Plaza in Truro, reopening it in 1998.

The citation also noted his employment of 120 people and support for local and national charities.

A renowned figure in St Agnes has been honoured with a British Empire Medal for her services to the community.

Among many local contributions, Amanda Kimmins is chairman of St Agnes AFC and St Agnes Sports Club, secretary of the chamber of commerce, press and publicity officer for St Agnes carnival committee, and a life member of St Agnes Museum.

As well as fundraising for charity, she also runs the parish paper The Bolster with her husband Martyn at their business Printout Printing Services.

She said: "I am thrilled, though a bit embarrassed, to have received an award. I am incredibly lucky to live in such a vibrant community and I am just a tiny part of that. This award reflects the fantastic people in St Agnes who always get involved and support whatever is going."

Jain Ord, one of many from St Agnes who nominated Mrs Kimmins for the honour, added: "Mandy is a real powerhouse of energy and enthusiasm which she uses to benefit others at every opportunity."

Royal Navy Commander Nick Dunn, from Perranwell Station, has been appointed OBE after more than 31 years' service.

He was responsible for drawing up an acclaimed aviation safety management system and the award has been given in recognition of his recent work in aviation safety.

The citation states: "His pioneering efforts were undertaken with infectious drive and selfless commitment and the tangible changes in safety culture that he brought about will enhance future safety management."

Commander Dunn said: "The challenge of flying successfully at sea requires the fullest attention to safety at all times. This was the best preparation for the role of safety management advisor."

He retired from the Royal Navy on Christmas Day and will work as a safety advisor with the Dartmouth Steam Railway and River Boat Company.

Jean Oates, from Portreath, admitted she was "amazed" but "honoured" after her appointment as MBE in the New Year's Honours List for services to the community in west Cornwall.

She has been involved in a large number of voluntary organisations for many years.

They include Meals on Wheels (24 years), Friends of Truro Samaritans (20-plus years), Longreach House (24 years), the governing body of Portreath School (20-plus years) West Cornwall Cancer Friendship Group (20-plus years) and Redruth Macmillan.

"I was delighted and amazed to hear that I had been nominated and extremely honoured to learn that I was to actually receive the award for merely doing what I enjoy so much and from which I gain enormous pleasure," she said.

"My family were chuffed to bits. I'm looking forward to travelling to Buckingham Palace to receive the award. I've been to a garden party before and it was amazing."

A woman who has worked to promote the benefits of European funding in Cornwall has been appointed OBE.

Carleen Kelemen, former director of the Convergence Partnership Office, said the award rounded off a landmark year in which she was awarded British citizenship.

She said: "This honour is both humbling and wonderful. I am immensely proud of the work of the European programmes across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, and the former role of the magnificent Partnership Office team."

Mrs Kelemen, who is originally from Australia, has worked with partners in Cornwall to promote the best use of European money.