THE humanitarian who has saved thousands of lives by taking emergency supplies to disaster-hit communities and the campaigner who convinced a Devon town to ban plastic bags are among those in the Westcountry recognised in the New Year Honours List today.

Tom Henderson, who founded Helston-based disaster relief charity ShelterBox eight years ago, received an OBE for services to humanitarian aid.

Since its inception, ShelterBox has raised £25 million for disaster victims and taken its green boxes to 800,000 people in 57 countries.

Meanwhile, Rebecca Hosking, who led the successful campaign to make Modbury, South Devon, the first town in Europe to go plastic bag-free, is awarded an MBE for services to the environment.

An MBE also goes to 2009 Formula One world champion Jenson Button, who was born in Frome, Somerset.

He became one of the youngest ever F1 drivers in 2000 but struggled for several years with under-performing cars until Ross Brawn bought out the Honda team and renamed it Brawn GP in March.

Many unsung heroes in communities across the Westcountry are also honoured.

Pat Kelly, 81, from Hayle, West Cornwall, is recognised with an MBE for taking in more than 50 foster children in the last 20 years.

Sidney Johnson, 77, also receives an MBE for carrying out innumerable odd jobs and other thankless tasks for people in the West Cornwall village of Ruan Minor near Helston.

Knighthoods are awarded to Star Trek actor Patrick Stewart and Scottish rugby international-turned-Lions coach Ian McGeechan.

Rick Parfitt and Francis Rossi, the two remaining original members of Status Quo, are awarded OBEs for their hugely successful musical career, including more than 118 million record sales worldwide and a record-breaking 64 British hit singles.

Beth Tweddle, Britain's most successful gymnast, receives an MBE and former England football captain Jimmy Armfield is given a CBE for his community work in Lancashire.

MBEs go to Claire Taylor, the first woman to be named one of Wisden's cricketers of the year, and Blackburn Rovers striker Jason Roberts.

Dr Claire Bertschinger, whose appearance in Michael Buerk's famous 1984 reports on the Ethiopian famine inspired Bob Geldof to organise Live Aid, is made a dame for services to nursing and to international humanitarian aid.

In drama, National Theatre director Nicholas Hytner is knighted and Phyllida Lloyd, director of the hit film Mamma Mia!, receives a CBE.

In the Westcountry, Mr Henderson said the honour is a "recognition of the work ShelterBox has done in the last 10 years – moving from one green box in my garage to the world stage".

This year alone it has shipped out aid – essentially green boxes with enough supplies to sustain a family of ten – to Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

He said: "I know everyone says it, but it really is a team effort. Without our volunteers, helpers and supporters it would be impossible.

"With recognition, particularly national recognition, comes income. That's what it's all about. Our ambition is to do more of the same. And the word is more. People are dying and are in distress. They need our help."

Mr Johnson, who lives in Ruan Minor, was nominated by the parish council for services to the community. Every week Mr Johnson erects signs to advertise events in the village, officiates when needed and runs errands for elderly people.

In fact, the former Goonhilly station worker is happy to carry out any chore asked – from giving lifts to hospital to cutting hedges and taking out rubbish – and is described as "a very popular and respected man in his community".

Mr Johnson said: "If anyone needs me I will help. It's my duty. I would like to think we are a close-knit community. Some people come down here and you don't particularly see them. We've got a church, chapel, village hall, pub. People should be able to get involved in one of those things."

In Dorset, Barbara Austin, 77, was given the MBE for services to Lyme Regis – the town she has lived all her life. Formerly town mayor and deputy mayor, Mrs Austin, among many other positions, is president of the town's football club, chairman of the Christmas lights committee and secretary of the over-70s lunch club.

She said: "I was over the moon, so proud and so touched that there are people who think enough of me to nominate me for this award. I like to keep busy. I think I would stagnate otherwise."

Former Royal Marine Robert Graham, from Bideford, North Devon, received an MBE in recognition of his work for the Ministry of Defence.

Mr Graham was a Royal Marine for nearly 30 years before starting work as landing craft and small boat developer at Instow for the MoD.

During his time working for the MoD he researched, developed and trialled boats working closely with counterparts in Sweden, America, Australia and across the world.

The 60-year-old said: "Obviously I am very pleased to be awarded the MBE but see it as recognition for the whole team."

Richard Burningham, manager of the Devon and Cornwall Rail Partnership, which has championed and protected rural branch lines, was given an MBE for services to the rail industry in the South West.

Mr Burningham, 46, a self-confessed "career railwayman" whose first job in the industry was as a booking clerk aged 16, said he was "touched and humbled" to receive the honour.

He said: "This is a massive honour for the partnership as a whole and caps what has been an excellent year with now the best ever train service on the branch lines and a big increase in passenger numbers."