ALISON Shelton, manager of the LV Streetwise Safety Centre in West Howe, has been awarded a British Empire Medal in the Queen’s birthday honours list.

She has worked at the interactive safety education centre since November, 1998 benefiting thousands of local children.

She said: “It’s just unbelievable, I still can’t get my head round it. I looked at the letter which said cabinet office and I thought ‘What have I done now?’ “Streetwise is all about the kids and the brilliant people that work for the centre and enable me to do what I do, so I feel a bit unworthy to be honest.

“I just think there’s 100 more people that would deserve something like this, but I’m secretly very chuffed.”

She said it was recognition that LV Streetwise was a very special place.

“I love the fact that we’re providing something which is ultimately going to save a life, but something that children love to come and visit as well.”

Poole Councillor Ann Stribley has been awarded an MBE for services to the community.

A former lecturer and businesswoman, Cllr Stribley has been mayor, a magistrate, a Poole Harbour commissioner and member of the Dorset Police Authority.

She has represented Parkstone on the council since 1977.

Cllr Stribley said: “It has been an enormous pleasure and great privilege and a huge honour to have been involved in several different areas for the best part of 40 years.

“I am delighted to receive this recognition which I believe is for everyone who aims to contribute to the community and try to make a difference.”

Dorset Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s chief executive Peter Scott has been granted the MBE for services to business in the county and also to international trade.

Mr Scott said: “I am of course deeply appreciative to those who nominated me for an honour, but the achievements thus recognised would not have been possible were it not for the efforts of the staff of the chamber over many years, a supportive family and my colleagues in my previous career roles.”

Adrian Whiting, the assistant chief constable of Dorset Police, receives the Queen’s Police Medal.

Artist and author Keith Shackleton was awarded the MBE for services to the conservation of wildlife and Dorset-based Philip Crawford was awarded the British Empire Medal for services to farming and to the rural community in the south west.

There was also an MBE for Elizabeth Nelson, vice-president of the Weldmar Hospicecare Trust, Dorset and vice-chairman of the Motor Neurone Disease Association. She receives her honour for services to palliative care and the Motor Neurone Disease Association.

June Salt, of Broadmayne, receives the MBE for services to her local community, as does Richard Adlem for the work he has done in Sixpenny Handley.

Dorset-based Keith Drodge, of the Ministry of Defence, receives the MBE.