A WOMAN who has devoted most of her life to supporting youngsters and a volunteer coastguard were among the Dorset people rewarded in the Queen’s Birthday Honours.

Charity fundraiser Doreen Symonds from Weymouth received an MBE for voluntary services to Save the Children, a charity which campaigns for the rights of children at home and abroad.

Mrs Symonds, 79, who lives in Preston, got involved 40 years ago after her daughter Frances suggested she volunteered.

Her first duties were washing up at fundraising events and she went on to become chairman of the Weymouth and Portland branch of Save the Children, a position she still holds.

She has helped to raise tens of thousands of pounds over the years through events, as well as highlighting the work of the organisation through Speaking Out workshops.

Mrs Symonds, who also led a Girl Guide troop, ran a playgroup and was a governor at Weymouth Grammar School, said getting involved with Save the Children was a natural thing to do as it was for the good of young people.

She said: “I’ve got mixed feelings about my MBE.

“I’m very honoured and it’s nice that people appreciate the amount of time you put in.

“But then I think do I really deserve this? I didn’t do all this on my own.”

Mrs Symonds paid tribute to her husband of 55 years Frank, area organiser for Save the Children Jerry Jopson and committee members Barbara Lawes and Joan Cooknell.

She also said the late Peter Bennett was very supportive of the charity.

Mrs Symonds said: “We’re still going strong as a branch but we’re much smaller than we used to be.”

Deputy station officer for Lulworth Coastguard Rescue Team Stephen Pack received an MBE.

As well as being a coastguard for almost 33 years, Mr Pack helped to set up the Lulworth Responders in 2006, a voluntary group which supports the ambulance service by attending medical emergencies.

Mr Pack also served on West Lulworth Parish Council for 20 years.

Father-of-two Mr Pack, 52, said: “The excellence of the Lulworth Coastguard Rescue Team has been recognised in many ways over the years, including four Chief Coastguard Commendations and the Wreck Shield and I am honoured and proud to continue this tradition by receiving an MBE.”

Former Weymouth Grammar School head boy Peter Woodsford was awarded an MBE for services to the geographical information industry.

Mr Woodsford, who now who lives in Cambridge, is the eldest son of the late George and Molly Woodsford.

He has worked for most of his career in software for managing map data.

Mr Woodsford, 68, said: “Maths and physics were my subjects at school but I have always been fascinated by maps.

“Computers and the internet have transformed mapping and I have greatly enjoyed playing a role in this exciting business.

“I am delighted to receive this honour – it is recognition as well of the importance of this new industry.”