Birthday Honours Awards On South Coast

15 June 2013, 07:00 | Updated: 15 June 2013, 08:13

Helen Butler, the president of the Red Squirrel Trust, has been awarded an MBE for her work during 20 years helping to conserve the animals on the Isle of Wight.

She set up the Wight Squirrel Project in 1993 after she became involved in a survey of local wildlife which found that the number of red squirrels had declined following a hurricane which had hit their habitat.

This charity is primarily concerned with monitoring red squirrel numbers and protecting the habitat, particularly by ensuring the island remains a grey squirrel-free zone.

Ms Butler set up the Red Squirrel Trust in 2005 which aims to educate and raise awareness and provide talks and guided walks.

Ms Butler, from Binstead, said:

"After the hurricane there weren't many red squirrels left so I set up the Wight Squirrel Project and it steamrolled and got bigger and bigger.

"I've learnt lots of skills since. I've always liked animals, I guess I was in the right place at the right time.''

Southampton internet scientist Professor Nigel Shadbolt has been awarded a knighthood for services to science and engineering.

A CBE goes to Portsmouth University's Vice-Chancellor, Professor John Craven, and an MBE has been awarded to Sergeant Peter Jones from Southsea for his work on the London 2012 Olympic security with the MoD Police.

An OBE has been awarded to Lyndhurst businesswoman Kiki Maurey for services to women and minority groups in business.

Dorset singer PJ Harvey has been made an MBE.

The 43-year-old from Dorchester has won the Mercury Prize twice - the only artist ever to do so.

Meanwhile MBEs have been awarded to foster carers Peter and Jean Dorey from Gillingham for services to children.

Former soldier and fundraiser Raymond Clark from Charminster will receive the British Empire Medal for services to volunteering and charitable giving.

91-year-old former Bournemouth and Dorset county councillor Phil Carey from Southbourne has received an MBE for spending much of his life helping others - he's spent the last 13 years organising the Christmas Toy Appeal.