MEMBERS of the public across the Cornish community have been recognised in the New Year Honours list.

The honours, comprising either Members of the Order of the British Empire or Medallists of the Order of the British Empire were issued for various achievements over the years.

Four were awarded the honour of Members of the Order of the British Empire, known as MBEs.

These were: Julie Patricia Felix – For services to Dance Education (Looe), Charity Gladstone – Lately matron of cardiology and respiratory services, Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust – for services to Nursing (Saltash), Adam Peter Ritchie Handling – Chief, Ambassador to the GREAT Britain and Northern Ireland campaign. For services to hospitality and international Trade. (St Ives) in addition to Fiona Roberts JP – Magistrate, Cornwall bench, South West Region. For services to the Magistracy and the administration of justice. (Camborne).

A further five were honoured with medallists of the Order of the British Empire, mostly for services to their community.

These were: Terence Brian Gerry, for services to the community in Plymouth, Devon (Callington), Stephen Brian Michael, for services to the community in Kingsand, Cornwall (Torpoint), Margaret Cortis, for voluntary and charitable services to the community in Truro, Cornwall (Truro), Jean Carol Davies, chair and coach, Saints netball club, For services to netball and the community in Cornwall (Redruth) and Christine Mary Gendall – for services to the community in Penzance, Cornwall (Penzance)

The award the individuals have been given was first awarded to honour those who had contributed to the First World War effort, having been introduced by the then-King, King George V in 1917.

The Order of the British Empire was established by King George V in 1917 to honour those who had served in a non-combative role and expanded the Order to reward contributions to the arts, sciences, charitable work and public service. The Order is comprised of five classes across both military and civilian divisions. The Order also includes the British Empire Medal presented to those who have contributed to service in their community.

The ‘Home Chapel’ of the Order is located within St Paul’s Cathedral. Members and Medallists can request use of the Chapel for weddings, baptisms and memorial services. A Service of Thanksgiving is held at the Cathedral for Members and Medallists every four years.

The motto for OBE is ‘For God And The Empire’.