Old pallets too dangerous (From Stroud News and Journal)

Old pallets too dangerous

CELEBRITY Stroud doctor Mark Porter is among the Five Valleys residents recognised by the Queen in the New Year's Honours list.

Dr Porter has been awarded an MBE for services to healthcare after his work on BBC programme Watchdog Healthcheck and Radio 2's Jeremy Vine Show.

"I am thrilled but very surprised," said Dr Porter, who lives in Minchinhampton with wife Ros and daughters Charlie, 15 and Sarah, 14.

"There are many other doctors in Stroud who are just as deserving - I am just the one sitting in the limelight. There are so many colleagues I would willingly hand it over to but I am happy to accept it on their behalf."

Pied Piper Appeal founder Peter Hickman, 74, who also runs a hairdressing school and a chain of salons, was awarded an MBE for services to business and young people. "It was a complete shock," said Mr Hickman, who lives in Amberley. "I hadn't the slightest inkling about it."

Together with the appeal, which celebrated a major achievement this year with the building of the new children's centre at Gloucestershire Royal Hospital, Mr Hickman was also pleased the award recognised his years of work training young hairdressers. "I have run a business for 50 years, mainly working with teenagers, and I really am quite proud of them," he said. "This is an award for them and I am really pleased."

Another name on the list was Anthony Sangwine from Stonehouse, who received an OBE for his work as a horticulture and conservation specialist with the Highways Agency.

And two former members of staff at the Princess Royal's Gatcombe Park were also honoured. Ex-land agent Alec Thompson was made a Member of the Royal Victorian Order and former gardener Eric Hanchett was awarded the Royal Victorian Medal.