THREE people from south Devon have been recognised for their achievements in the King’s Birthday Honours. 

Carol Boys, chief executive officer of the Down’s Syndrome Association, from Newton Abbot, has been awarded the OBE for services to special educational needs and disabilities and to research.

Carol joined the organisation as a parent member and has been involved for more than 20 years. 

Described as a ‘passionate and dedicated charity leader’, she was part of a local support group before joining the board of trustees and then becoming its chief executive. 

Moira Marder, chief executive officer of the Ted Wragg Trust, also of Newton Abbot, was awarded the OBE for services to education. 

An MBE was awarded to Alex Walmsley, chairman of trustees of The First Federation Trust, which operates primary schools at Chudleigh Knighton, Westcliff in Dawlish and Blackpool in Liverton, for services to education. 

Moira Marder said: ‘I am overwhelmed but delighted to receive this honour. 

‘I continue to believe fiercely in the role education has to play in transforming young people’s futures, no matter what their background.

‘I want every child to be able to go to their local school and receive an excellent education. I feel beyond grateful to serve the communities and young people across our schools and am inspired every day by the wonderful people I get to work alongside.

‘School should be a gateway to children living lives full of opportunity, especially for students from disadvantaged backgrounds. It is an honour in itself to play such a central role in the education of Devon’s children.’