TRIPLE-OLYMPIC gold medallist Ben Ainslie leads the notable Westcountry names in the New Year Honours list as he caps a phenomenal year by being awarded the CBE.

The yachtsman, from Falmouth, is Britain's most successful Olympic sailor, winning his latest gold in Beijing in the summer and coming fourth in the BBC Sports Personality of the Year earlier this month.

He leads a field of Westcountry figures ranging from members of the royal household to humble volunteers who have been recognised for years of selfless service.

In a bumper year of gongs for sporting stars, Ellen Hunter, the Paralympic cyclist from Bodmin, was named OBE for services to disabled sport.

Other notables included Stephen Otter, the chief constable of Devon and Cornwall, who is awarded the Queen's Police Medal, and Commander Steve Murray RN, former commander of RNAS Culdrose, who was appointed OBE.

Mr Otter said he was "delighted" with his award and had been "very privileged to have been given the opportunity to be the chief constable of the Devon and Cornwall Constabulary".

"I am extremely proud of what my officers and staff are doing to deliver a high quality policing service to the people of Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly," he said. "I look forward to continuing our work towards making the force area an even safer place to live and work."

Commander Murray was awarded the OBE in the Queen's New Year Honours list in recognition of his critical contribution to the Royal Navy's Merlin helicopter force during the course of a 33-year naval career.

During his tenure in charge of the fleet based in Cornwall, Culdrose's fleet of Merlin helicopters were deployed at a time of unprecedented operational activity on a variety of successful missions from anti-submarine warfare and counter-narcotics to people trafficking and anti-piracy operations.

Cdr Murray said yesterday that he was "humbled, honoured and proud" to receive his OBE.

"I can honestly say that I am exceptionally lucky to enjoy what I do so much; the Royal Navy ethos, camaraderie, professionalism and the energy of its people have made leading and managing the Merlin Force a real honour and a very great pleasure.

Kenneth Jones, the chief constable of Avon and Somerset Police and president of the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO), has been knighted for services to the police.

In the world of business, Nick Buckland, the deputy chief executive of the South West Regional Development Agency (SWRDA) was awarded the OBE for serves to technology and innovation.

There were also medals for people who dedicated their time and efforts to voluntary causes, including Eric Wallis, secretary of the South West Coast Path Association, appointed MBE for his services to the charity. Mr Wallis has been a member of the South West Coast Path Association since 1976, becoming honorary secretary in 1987, when the Coast Path was still in its infancy.

He said: "This is truly an honour for me, recognising my years of voluntary service. It also reflects on all the past and present members of the South West Coast Path Association executive committee, who have worked so hard to ensure that our 630 miles of the Coast Path is the finest walking experience in the land."

Also honoured with an MBE was Mr Cyril Blackman, for services to the Royal Marines Association. Mr Blackman, 76, served in the Royal Marines from 1949-1972, rising to the rank of Colour Sergeant and seeing action in Commando units from Korea to Northern Ireland. He joined the struggling Plymouth branch of the Royal Marines Association in 1975, serving on the committee, as secretary and finally for 20 years as chairman. He then joined the South West Region branch, serving as chairman for 10 years, and continues as a trustee of the RMA Central Council.

"There is a special bond and esprit de corps among Royal Marines," he said. "I am proud to receive this award on their behalf."

Thomas McCaw, MVO, a former land steward for the Duchy of Cornwall has been made Lieutentant of the Royal Victorian Order (LVO).