Olympic golden girls recognised

Weymouth's Olympic gold medallist Sarah Ayton has been appointed an OBE in the Queen's New Year Honours list.

The other members of the crew, who were known as "the three blondes in a boat", are also recognised, with Sarah Webb made an OBE and Pippa Wilson an MBE.

Others honoured from Dorset include Cyclist Darren Kenny, of Verwood, who won four gold medals at the Beijing Paralympics and is made an OBE.

Ch Supt Robert Boulton is appointed MBE for services to police and community.

Ms Ayton, who is already an MBE following a gold at the Athens games in 2004, won gold in China alongside her teammates in the Yngling class.

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"It is really exciting and having already had the experience of receiving an MBE I know how much of an honour it is.

"Last time when I picked it up [with Sarah Webb] we had issues curtseying at the same time but this time with the three of us it's going to be a nightmare."

Last week, she said the trio would not race together again after the class was axed from the 2012 Games to be replaced by Elliot 6m boats.

"We've had a nice time to reflect on what we have achieved over the last three years and we are now looking forward to 2012 and what our options are as individuals," she added.

Fellow sailing Olympic gold medallists Paul Goodison, of Weymouth, and Andrew Simpson, from Sherborne, have both been been appointed MBEs.

Others recognised in Dorset include Michael Francis, who is made an MBE for services to the tourist industry in Bournemouth, while bus driver James Newton is made an MBE for services to public transport in Dorset.

Mr Newton started as a conductor in 1951, took his driver training in 1954 and worked on routes around the county until 1994.

The 79-year-old now drives school buses part-time for a coach company.

He said: "I never would have thought that I would have been honoured this way and I am delighted to accept the award.

"I still very much enjoy the job and it is nice to have been recognised as a driver."

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