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Local heroes star on birthday

LEOTARDS were the foundation of her highly successful international business and now Anne Walker has been appointed an MBE in today's Queen's Birthday Honours List.

Newton Abbot-based International Dance Supplies provides individuals and companies across the UK and abroad with dance equipment, ballet shoes, leotards and costumes.

The award is in recognition for her services to business.

Mrs Walker, who is the managing director of the firm, has had to keep the news under her hat for nearly two months.

She said: "I am just thrilled. It's so wonderful that someone running a small business can be recognised in this way.

"My reaction was one of amazement and disbelief because I have not done anything special -- I have just been doing my job."

Mrs Walker started her dance supply business with a Pounds 50 loan from her mum and an industrial sewing machine.

More than 30 years later and Mrs Walker, who lives with her husband Ian in Holcombe, has a company with a Pounds 7million turnover and celebrating a prestigious award.

IDS boasts clients across 40 countries, and employs 60 staff at its headquarters at Harlequin House.

Mrs Walker said: "I never thought it would get to this stage. The business had tiny beginnings. I had a dance school and I used to make leotards for my students.

"I didn't think I would end up with such a fantastic business or the 60 staff I have got."

She added: "I feel very strongly that this award is not about me but about the business and that's thanks to the support of my husband and the team of staff I have had over the years."

Meanwhile, a Dartington man has been appointed OBE in today's honours list in recognition of services to the community.

William Little, 87, from Orchard Park, has been appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire for services to the community.

Mr Little, said he thought his son was 'a bit involved' with the nomination, although a friend in Portsmouth also said a few years ago he should be recognised for the work he has done in Dartington.

He said: "I think the award is particularly for being active in the village.

"I was a member of various organisations over the years, although I am 87 years old now and I am about to Puma Ferrari Shoes hand over to other people."

He explained one of his commitments had been an uninterrupted tenure of the treasurer's position for Dartington Recreation Association since the 1960s, a position he still holds.

He is also a governor of Dartington Primary School, although he says he will be retiring on July 31.

"I am a school governor and one of my aims was to make sure that they had a new school.

"We are most fortunate and we have a very good head-teacher Jill Mahon who is guiding the school in the right direction."

Mr Little said he thought the award was for the whole village and all the people that have worked in the village on previous things."

Viv Yandell, of Kingsbridge, codirector of Spinnaker Ltd, has been appointed an MBE for services to business and to charity in Saltash, Cornwall.

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