THE Queen has recognised the outstanding voluntary work of two local people in her birthday honours list.

Desmond Symonds, of Bransford, and Diana Maiden, from Malvern, were both awarded MBEs.

Mrs Maiden, a semi-retired educational psychologist for Worcestershire County Council, received her MBE for services to children with special educational needs.

She was an initiator of the local Portage Service, a home teaching programme offering support to parents in the care of pre-school children with severe special needs.

Through working with the service, she recognised the need for respite care

and founded Kaleidoscope, a respite care charity for children in Malvern and the surrounding area, in 1994.

Initially run in Malvern Community Hospital's former operating theatre, the group has expanded and now meets at Osbourne Court, where volunteers offer around 22 children respite care one weekend a month.

Fun days for Kaleidoscope children and their siblings are also organised.

Mrs Maiden is currently on holiday in France, but her friend Sue Johnson said: "I'm sure that all the many families and children that Diana has helped and supported over the years would join me in saying that she is an exceptional person who deserves this special award."

Mr Symonds, a retired British Rail employee, was honoured for services to the community of Leigh and Bransford.

He said he was very surprised when he received a letter informing him of the award.

"I just enjoy the work I do because I've always been involved with the public," he added.

Over the past 40 years, Mr Symonds has run a youth club, served on the memorial hall committee and organised village events.

He is currently chairman of the memorial hall committee and Leigh and District Royal British Legion.

Although he does not yet know when he will go to Buckingham Palace to receive the award from the Queen, he said he would be taking May, his wife of 55 years, with him.

"None of this would have been possible without the help of a very understanding and loyal wife," he said.