Gerry RobsonA TROWBRIDGE man who started work as an apprentice 40 years ago has been awarded an OBE by the Queen for his hard work.

Gerry Robson, 56, of Clarendon Avenue, joined the Ministry of Defence when he was just 16 years old.

Now, 40 years on, he has been recognised for his achievement in the Queen's Birthday Honours List.

He said: "I was shocked initially when I got the letter.

"It's very nice that someone recognises what you've done."

Most of his work has focused on promoting equality among minority groups. He is chairman of the Bristol-based Regional Diversity Forum, set up three years ago to tackle inequality in the south west.

He is also a governor at Paxcroft Primary School, Trowbridge, and was, until a year ago, head coach at Bradford on Avon swimming club.

Mr Robson, who has been married twice and has five children, said he always has to keep busy.

"I feel guilty if I'm not pushing boundaries," he said.

When he was 40 he decided to learn to swim. He went on to qualify as a lifeguard and became head coach of Bradford on Avon swimming club until he had to give it up because of work commitments.

Also awarded an OBE on Saturday was Anna Marsden, director of the Wiltshire and Swindon Community Found-ation, which helps disadvantaged people throughout the county.

The foundation has now given more than £2.5m in grants and supported more than 1,200 different projects.

Ms Marsden, first director of the foundation when it was set up in 2001 and due to retire in July, said: "I am amazed and delighted to be awarded an OBE.

"It underlines the strength of the Community Foundation and I hope all the team, past and present, staff and trustees, will feel a part of it belongs to them."

John Bush, of Heywood, near Westbury, also received an OBE.

"I was absolutely thrilled, very flattered and extremely surprised when I found out," he said.

Aged 67, he still works as a magistrate, is chairman of the Wiltshire Magistrates Courts Committee and chairman of Countrywide Farmers, based in Melksham.

One of his proudest achievements was setting up the Wiltshire Bobby Van Trust, which helps vulnerable people, such as the elderly or single mothers, when they have been burgled.

He said: "The scheme has been 100 per cent successful."

Mr Bush, who has two children and five grandchildren, was also High Sheriff of Wiltshire in 1997.

Adrian Belcher, from Trowbridge, was awarded an MBE in the Queen's list.

Judge Shaun Lyons, who is secretary of the Council of Circuit Judges, was awarded a DBE for his services to the administration of justice.