A MODEST 77-year-old has been awarded the MBE for the work he does in and around his Herefordshire community.

Denys Gueroult was put forward for his award by various people from Whitbourne headed up by his gardener George Pegler.

"Its very touching," said Mr Gueroult.

"I'm enormously grateful that the local community seems to think I'm deserving of such an honour."

After a successful career in radio, where he secured a rare interview with the Lord of the Rings author J R R Tolkien, he moved to Whitbourne in 1984.

"I feel that people like me who move from the city to a rural area should try their best to become part of the community, help with local concerns and charities."

In the 21 years since arriving in the area Mr Gueroult has thrown himself into various activities and charities.

He helps with the village hall, primary school, amateur dramatics group, the talking newspaper for the blind in Tenbury Wells and St Michael's Hospice to name but a few, but remains modest about his work.

"I was pleasantly surprised when I found out, but I think there are some much more deserving people still awaiting recognition," he said.

A FORMER Hereford student has been awarded an MBE for her services to West Mercia Police.

Louise Hickey (left), from Ledbury, joined the force 30 years ago fresh from Hereford Catering College.

She has risen through the ranks from assistant cook to senior contracts manager.

The award was made for the work Louise does voluntarily to support police staff - she chairs the Police Staff Welfare Fund, which she joined 20 years ago. It provides emotional and financial support to police staff during times of illness, hardship and family crisis.

"It was a complete shock but I am terribly proud," she said of the award.

"I only planned to stay about six months until I decided what I wanted to do but I'm still here 30 years later.

"There are so many people that work with me who should share this honour," said Louise.

"They all mean so much to me. It is not just about me, it's about them as well. Without them, I wouldn't be where I am now."

Away from work, Louise chairs Hereford Amateur Pantomime Society, which stages annual shows to raise funds for Herefordshire charities.

She recently received a medal from the National Operatic and Dramatic Association to mark 25 years with the group.

A HEREFORD and Worcester Army Cadet Force chief has been awarded the OBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours.

Acting Colonel Ian Bramble received the award for his dedication to Hereford and Worcester cadets since he became Commandant in 1998.

A member of the Territorial Army since 1975, he moved over to the cadets six years ago.

"I'm extremely pleased and surprised and obviously also very grateful," he said.

"Although I have received this award, behind it is a first rate team who, under my direction, has produced results, so the award is as much for the whole team as it is for me really."

Colonel Bramble, a 58-year-old from Solihull, is praised in his citation for his realism, consistency and enthusiasm which, it says, enabled him to improve the county force beyond recognition.

"Every aspect of the force has flourished and progressed over the last six years, due directly to the drive, pride and positive leadership of its commandant.

Under his direction, the cadet strength has increased from 450 to a steady 600 over the past six years.