OKEHAMPTON resident Barbara Ramsay had a lovely new year surprise when she found out her brother was to be awarded the MBE in the Queen's New Year's Honours List.
Mrs Ramsay, of Fern Meadow, said the honour to Christopher Firth could not have been given to anyone finer.
'I'm not just saying that because he is my brother but he is someone who is dedicated to people,' she said.
Mr Firth is a team leader of fisheries with the Environment Agency in Yorkshire. His MBE was for services to fisheries and to the community.
His sister, who has lived in Okehampton for 24 years, said: 'Christopher is always there to help people and he does lots of voluntary work in the community.
'I am very very proud of him and I just wish my mother and father were alive to see him get this MBE.
'He has had hundreds and cards and phone calls since it was announced.'
She said she did not find out about the award until New Year's Eve because her brother, who lives in Doncaster, was sworn to secrecy for three months.