A man who co-founded Wendron Football Club and has spent the last 40 years raising tens of thousands of pounds for charity has been recognised in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours with a British Empire Medal.

Peter Thorne, who set up the club 31 years ago with a friend, remains its chairman and on the day the news was announced was driving the team to a match in Holsworthy.

He described himself as “a bit taken aback” when the letter arrived, informing him he was being recognised for his services to the community.

Yet to those who know him it is no surprise, with Mr Thorne helping to raise £50,000 for Cancer Research UK over the last 18 years through the annual Sharon Woods mini soccer tournament, in memory of the Wendron Youth Football committee founder member who died from cancer in 1999 aged just 44.

He is also behind the annual West Cornwall Motor Show, which moved to Wendron Cricket Club 11 years ago, and has been involved with the management committee of the cricket club for the last 35 years.

It all began 40 years ago, when Mr Thorne returned from working on a farm in Canada, aged 18, and decided to get involved with the local community.

He said of his medal: “It’s nice for the club. I’ve got to thank all the people who have been there over the years.

“I may be picking this award up now, but really there’s a lot of other people in between times who have done a lot for us to succeed as a club. A lot of people have done their bit and they mustn’t be forgotten.”

In particular he paid tribute to his wife Debbie and daughter Corrina.

The award marks a particularly special end to the year for Mr Thorne, who also became a grandfather for the first time five weeks ago.