A well-known Falmouth coastguard, Mike Collier, who works as a fishing vessel surveyor for the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, has been awarded an MBE in the New Year Honours for his work with local fishermen.

Mr Collier said: "I was stunned by the news. We got a letter some weeks ago but told not to tell anyone and that was the first thing I wanted to do."

Mr Collier was in the merchant navy for 20 years on oil rig supply boats before joining the coastguard in Falmouth.

He added: "I would like to share this award with my colleagues at the MCA who have been instrumental in helping me to encourage fishermen to be more receptive to changes in legislation.

"As I am sure people are aware, legislation and fishermen do not normally go hand in hand but it is my work with the fishermen and helping them to understand legislation which has been recognised. Someone obviously thinks I am doing a good job."

The charitable chief executive of the Bishop's Forum at Halvasso has been awarded for his work with local young people. John Bray, a former solicitor of Devoran, has been with the forum for 13 years where their core work is focussed on young people with disadvantaged backgrounds.

Mr Bray said: "I am dead chuffed about the MBE. One of the things that really pleases me is the recognition of youth work which can often go overlooked. I am keen that me getting this award will help promote the work of this charity."

Mr Bray is also the chairman of the Cornwall Youth Work Partnership and will be retiring from his post at the Bishop's Forum at the end of the month.

Enid Johns, of Helston, has been given the MBE for over 50 years of work with the Multiple Sclerosis Society and Ruby Mallinson, of Messack Close, Falmouth, was awarded the MBE for her services to the Women's Auxilliary Air Force Association.

Mrs Mallinson was one of the founder members of the national association for the Women's Auxilliary Force and set up the Cornwall branch of the association and continues to thrive as chairman of the national association to the present day.

Mrs Mallinson said: "I don't think it has quite sunk in yet but it will do when I am up and about and back at the association meetings. I have recently undergone a hip replacement operation but it will not stop me from serving the association."

As well as her work with the WAAF Mrs Mallinson has also done a lot of work with charities such as the Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus Association.