THREE local people have been rewarded in the New Year's honours list.

Margaret Platts, deputy head-teacher at Greenhead Grammar School for 12 years and chairman of the Sangat Community Association, in Keighley, has received an MBE for services to education and the community.

"I was stunned when I got the news. I thought the letter was another tax demand because it looked like a lot of other official letters I get," she said.

Miss Platts has been chairman of Sangat since its inception about six years ago. She has seen it grow from providing activities for elderly people in the Asian community in Keighley, to offering education and training, providing a forum for Airedale NHS Trust and the Citizens Advice Bureau and to providing holiday and play schemes.

"It is very successful and is going from strength to strength. The educational training works very well with schools across the age range," she added. Miss Platts was previously deputy head at Belle Vue School, Bradford.

Khadim Hussain, manager of the Sangat Community Centre where Mrs Platts is chairman, said the centre users were thrilled to hear about her award.

He said: "This is recognition of her service to the centre. She has played a pivotal role in empowering the community. She has been upfront and positive on social issues."

Mr Hussain said Mrs Platts had worked tirelessly during her four-year chairmanship, especially when the Marlborough Street centre was going through difficult times.

Allan Clough, of Park Road, Cross Hills, who at 75 is still a partner in an engineering firm in Keighley, has also been awarded an MBE.

Mr Clough has been involved with running Glusburn Institute for about 20 years and has helped establish the youth theatre and indoor bowling. "I am surprised and elated by the news," he said.

He built the stage and designed the flytower which was funded by a £150,000 grant from various sources, including the Arts Council and the European Union.

He also raised about £40,000 for equipment at Airedale General Hospital, in Steeton, by holding theatrical events at the institute.

Keighley woman Elaine Appelbee is the third local MBE recipient.

Mrs Appelbee, of Highfield Lane, is a lay canon and the Bishop of Bradford's officer for Church in Society. She is also chairman of the National Lottery Board's Yorkshire and Humber Regional Awards Committee.

The MBE is in recognition of her services as honorary development worker with the Centenary to Millennium (C2M) Award Scheme.

The church-led project - funded by the National Lottery - aims to kick-start community activity.

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