War Horse creator and Exeter Prison governor receive honours

Doctor, author, tailor, actor and college principal are all decorated in New Year's list

The founder of an Exeter-based charity - the author Michael Murpurgo - has been knighted in the new year’s honours list. Sir Michael, who wrote War Horse and scores of other children’s books, launched Farms for City Children with his wife Clare. He’s been recognised for services to charity and literature. 

Devon-based actor Julia McKenzie, a former Miss Marple, as well as star of sitcom Fresh Fields, is now a Commander of the Order of the British Empire, or CBE.

Exeter Prison’s governor Jeannine Hendrick will start 2018 as an Officer of the British Empire - an OBE - as will the principal of South Devon College, Stephen Criddle.

MBEs go to Donald Campbell for services to nature conservation and his work as chair of the East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Chairman of Dartmoor Search and Rescue, Alec Collyer, receives an MBE too.

In healthcare, the chief executive of Devon Success Regime Angela Pedder has become a dame. James Williamson has an MBE for services to mental health in Devon and Budleigh Salterton GP Dr David Evans receives an MBE.

A British Empire Medal goes to Henry Hill, for services to naval personnel. He’s a tailor for the Royal Marines and Royal Navy. Frances Edwards is an BEM recipient too, for services to the community in Bishopsteignton.