DENISE May, the director of sport and assistant head teacher at Budehaven Community School, has been awarded an MBE in the New Year's Honours List, announced on New Year's Eve.

Mrs May, who lives with her family at Morwenstow, says that she is still trying to come to terms with the honour. "When I opened the letter from the Prime Minister's Office, I couldn't really believe what I was reading," she says "and I've found it hard to stop grinning ever since!"

The headteacher of Budehaven, a Specialist Sports College, Mr David Barton said: "I am absolutely delighted for Denise. This is a public recognition of her commitment to young people of all ages through sport, and especially for what she has done for raising the profile and importance of netball.

"Indeed Denise is currently in the forefront of developing netball as an international sport in Ethiopia, through the links which she has created as a result of our twinning with Assoca School there."

SEE the Bude & Stratton Post for full story and picture.