Islanders humbled by King's Birthday Honours list

Leslie Norman said the honour was a "bit of a shock to the system"

Four people in Jersey have been recognised in the King's Birthday Honours list.

The honours celebrate people who serve the community in the UK and the Channel Islands.

Three islanders have been made Members of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) and one has been awarded a British Empire Medal (BEM).

Leslie Norman was awarded an MBE for his services to people with learning disabilities, working with Les Amis to ensure people could live independent lives in the community.

'A great honour'

He said finding out was a "bit of a shock to the system" and "a great honour".

Mr Norman said: "When you get a call from the Lieutenant-Governor... and then he tells you that you've been chosen for this award, people had written in and said you deserve this award - it's very difficult to say no to the governor.

"The most important thing is that it's a great recognition for the staff and the residents... raising the awareness is absolutely vital.

"It still amazes me to this day how many people don't know what a big charity and how much work Les Amis does."

Ronald Perchard said he had trained thousands of sea cadets over 57 years

Ronald Perchard has worked with the Jersey Sea Cadet Corps for 57 years to teach thousands of students skills including rowing, sailing and knot tying.

He said he was totally surprised by being awarded a BEM for his services, asking "why does somebody think I'm worth having such an award?".

Mr Perchard said the most rewarding part of his role was being told "how much cadets enjoyed doing what they do".

"It's just nice to be recognised - I don't think people attach awards like that to sea cadets."

Rose Pallot hoped her MBE would "raise the profile" of Mustard Seed Jersey

Rose Pallot, founder and trustee of Mustard Seed Jersey which focuses on providing humanitarian aid to parts of eastern Europe, was awarded an MBE.

She said she felt a "sense of disbelief" when she found out: "When I stopped and thought about it I was delighted.

"It is a team work - without a team it wouldn't happen, I just happen to be the face of the charity."

Mrs Pallot thanked her late husband, who she began the charity with, for teaching her "so much".

She said she hoped her MBE would "raise the profile" of the charity and help in raising donations.

Richard Robins said he was collecting the honour on behalf of the Shelter Trust team

Richard Robins was awarded an MBE for his charity work in the island, working as a trustee and treasurer to the Shelter Trust for the past 10 years.

The charity provides accommodation and support for homeless people in Jersey.

He said he "couldn't really work out why" he had been given the award.

"[I was] initially shocked and obviously delighted, then on reflection feeling a bit guilty because I know there are so many other people give up lots of time for the Shelter Trust."

Mr Robins said he was proud to have led the team for fundraising events, including the soup kitchen and the tinathon, for more than 12 years.

He said he was collecting the honour "on behalf of the whole Shelter Trust team".