RON Vaulter, who has dedicated his life to helping the community in the Teignmouth area, has received his MBE.

In 1953 he started the Shaldon Kestrels Cycle Club, successfully campaigning for a speedway track at the King George V playing field.

His other activities have included acting as a first-aider for the Teignmouth District British Red Cross, covering sports events, the seafront and the annual panto at the Carlton Theatre; acting as a youth worker at the Winterbourne Centre, Teignmouth; founding Teignskate in 1987, and helping to set up the long awaited skatepark; working as an approved cycling instructor, and running courses at local schools and sports centres.

He later joined the founding committee of the Eastcliff Centre and is still an active member of Teignskate, and a voluntary youth worker with the county council.

Mr Vaulter, who lives in Combeinteignhead, received his MBE from Eric Dancer, the Lord Lieutenant for Devon at County Hall, Exeter. It was awarded him in theQueen's New Year Honours

Other dignitaries present included the High Sheriff of Devon, Elizabeth d'Erlanger; the chairman of the county council, Cllr John Berry; the chairman of Teignbridge Council, Cllr Sylvia Russell, and the chairman of Haccombe Parish Council, Cllr Andrea Johnstone.

Mr Vaulter said: 'I am honoured to receive this award and would like to thank all the young people who I have worked with and all those who nominated me.'