A SECRET MILLIONAIRE, an Olympic weightlifter and those who support the young and most vulnerable are among the recipients of MBEs and OBEs in the Queen's birthday honours list.

Olympic weightlifting athlete Michaela Breeze received an MBE for services to the sport. She said it was a real honour to be recognised for work in an area that doesn't often hit the headlines.

"I am absolutely delighted," she said, thanking her family, friends, coach and other team members for their support.

"To give 18 years of your life to a sport to achieve your best was enough for me but then to receive an MBE is a real privilege."

The 32-year-old weightlifting legend has competed at the Olympics as well as three Common Wealth Games. She retired last year and has worked as a PE teacher at Ivybridge Community College for ten years. The local athlete spoke to The Herald at the school where she was using her day off to coach upcoming weightlifter Ryan Baugh. The 13-year-old won the under 14s 62kilo category of an international competition in Austria last week.

And she spends her spare time visiting other schools to talk to pupils about the sport that made her a star.

Also celebrating an MBE is Ian Northam project worker for trade union GMB's Southern Region. For the past four years he has dedicated his time to helping workers improve their skills and opportunities in the job market with literacy and numeracy qualifications.

"I was staggered when I received the letter about the MBE - I had to ready it twice," said the 59-year-old from Manadon.

"I am extremely proud."

Mr Northam added that his job can be very rewarding with union members thanking him for helping to turn their lives around.

"We give people the opportunity to open up a whole new world," he said.

"And that is worth just as much as the MBE."

Joining the pair on the honour's list is Secret Millionaire and philanthropist Marcelle Speller.

She has scooped an OBE for services to the voluntary sector. The dot.com entrepreneur has had an integral role in the local community after launching her Secret Millionaire's Community Challenge in Plymouth, which donated £50,000 to voluntary groups across the city.

Through her Localgiving.com Plymouth Match Fund, Ms Speller pledged to double every penny raised by businesses and individuals for worthy causes, giving community and voluntary organisations a much-needed and welcome boost.

And The Herald reported that the fundraising drive was a success with dozens of groups benefiting from the hard work of city fundraisers.

Also on the list are Jane Guy from Yelverton, a former training manager with the Citizens' Advice Bureau. She has been given an OBE for services to the community in Plymouth.

Plymouth College's David Compton will be presented with an MBE for services to young people through The Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme and in The Gambia.

And also toasting the honour of an MBE is Julian Parnall, higher executive officer, at the Child Support Agency.