Cornwall’s maritime manager and a community fundraiser from Porthleven are among those being honoured in today’s Queen’s Birthday Honours List.

Captain Andrew (Andy) John Brigden, maritime manager at Cornwall Council, has been made an Officer of the British Empire (OBE) while Leigh Yates, fundraiser for Porthleven School and founder of the Sparkle Foundation charity, has been awarded a British Empire Medal (BEM).

Captain Brigden has a long career overseeing Cornwall’s maritime waters, both at county level and as head of maritime services for Carrick District Council before that, as well as harbourmaster of the Port of Truro.

Falmouth Packet:

Captain Andy Brigden

Over the years he has overseen many developments and also resolved disputes, including in Falmouth. He has also helped to uphold law and order, including on the Prince of Wales Pier.

He is also on the governoring board of Penair School in Truro. 

He is receiving his award for services to the UK ports and maritime industry.

In Porthleven, Leigh Yates has been a driving force in fundraising for Porthleven School, as chair of the Parent and Teachers Association.

She is the woman behind the annual themed fireworks night at the school as well as the Southerly Point Armed Forces Day since 2015, which has a different theme each year and is held in support of armed forces charity and schools in the Southerly Point Co-operative Multi-Academy Trust.

Formerly from London, the mum-of-two uses her previous connections with big name businesses such as Harrods and Gucci to gather support and donations for her fundraising events.

In 2016 she was a founder member of The Sparkle Foundation, set up to offer discreet help to people who have fallen on hard times.

Mrs Yates’ medal has been awarded for services to education.

With the news of her award made public today, she said: “Thank you to everyone who has supported The Sparkle Foundation, Porthleven School and put up with me! I have no plans to stop.”

Cornwall’s awards in full

ORDER OF THE BRITISH EMPIRE

OBE (Officer of the British Empire)

Capt Andrew John Brigden. Maritime manager Cornwall Council. For services to the UK Ports and Maritime Industry.

(Truro) MBE (Member of the British Empire) David John Thompson. For services to Young People and to the community in Cornwall. (Bodmin)

BRITISH EMPIRE MEDAL ( BEM)

Mrs Ann Elizabeth Boorman. Founding Member, Truro Homeless Action Group. For services to Homeless People in Truro, Cornwall. (Truro)

Robert Samuel Charleston. Volunteer Rescue Officer St Ives Coastguard. For voluntary service to the Coastguard Rescue Team. (Cornwall)

Special Constable Russell Alan Hall. Special Constable Devon and Cornwall Police. For services to Policing and the community in Fowey and Looe, Cornwall. (Lostwithiel)

Mrs Barbara Fay Hawkins. For services to charity and to the community in Port Isaac, Cornwall. (Port Isaac)

Mrs Leigh Yates. Chair of the Porthleven School Association of Friends, Helston. For services to Education. (Cornwall)