Museum fundraiser appointed MBE

Battle Museum houses Bayeux Tapestry engravings

A museum fundraiser, a council worker of 40 years' service and a hotel and catering industry leader have been named in the New Year Honours.

Maureen Ainsley sought funding over three years before getting the Battle Museum of Local History open in East Sussex in 2003. She was appointed MBE.

Steve Horlock has become an MBE for his council work in Brighton and Hove.

And the same honour was made to Raymond de Courcy, head of the Rye and District Hotels and Caterers Association.

It was founded in 1961 in the East Sussex town, to represent the interests of hotels, guest houses and B&Bs, and restaurants and pubs.

Speaking about his MBE for services to Local Government, Mr Horlock, a bereavement services manager, said: "I am now looking forward to my visit to Buckingham Palace to collect the award.

"To get this sort of recognition for the work that I love makes me feel incredibly proud."

Steve Horlock has been a council worker for 40 years

He has worked in the same office, doing all its different jobs, since 1969.

Mrs Ainsley secured grants from the National Lottery, Rother District Council and the South East England Development Agency during her efforts to set up Battle's museum.

She has become an MBE after previously winning a Community and Vocational Service Award from Rotary International.

Other Sussex recipients of awards in the New Year Honours were:

Philip Williamson, from Haywards Heath, chief executive of the Nationwide Building Society (appointed CBE for services to the Finance Industry).

Councillor Paddy Henry, who represents Labour on the Haywards Heath-Bentswood of Mid Sussex District Council (appointed MBE for public service and for services to the community in Haywards Heath).

And actress Julie Walters, who lives on an organic farm in Sussex, was appointed CBE for services to Drama.