Olympic sailors honoured by Queen

Three of Hampshire's Olympic sailors have been honoured

Three of Hampshire's medal-winning Olympic sailors have been recognised in the Queen's New Year Honours list.

Ben Ainslie, of Lymington, who won gold in the Finn class at the 2008 Olympics and is Britain's most decorated Olympic sailor of all time, becomes a CBE.

Iain Percy, of Winchester, who scooped gold alongside Andrew Simpson in the Star class at Beijing becomes an OBE.

Pippa Wilson, of Lymington, who won gold in the Yngling class with Sarah Ayton and Sarah Webb, is made MBE.

Last week it was announced that the trio would not race again together after their Yngling class was axed from the 2012 London Olympics.

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Mr Ainslie's sailing career began at the age of eight, with his family in Cornwall.

The 31-year-old, who trains with the Royal Lymington Yacht Club alongside 22-year-old Ms Wilson, first won Olympic gold in the Laser class at Sydney in 2000.

He followed that by winning the Finn class at both Athens in 2004 and Beijing earlier this year.

He told the BBC: "It is fantastic to be part of such a successful team.

'Queen and country'

"When you're racing in the Olympics, you're racing for yourself, but part of you is also doing it for Queen and country so it is fitting that everyone has been recognised in this way."

Mr Percy, 32, who also won a gold medal at the Sydney Olympics in the Finn class, trains with Weston Sailing Club near Southampton.

Mr Coughlan led Haringey's children's services after the death of Baby P

Mr Coughlan, who was temporarily drafted in to head children's services at Haringey Council after the death of Baby P, is appointed CBE.

He said: "This is an honour and a tribute to children's services as a whole.

"I especially want to thank my family, my colleagues and the elected members in Hampshire.

"Without all their backing this would not have been possible."

Others also honoured include Bernard Ribeiro, the former president of the Royal College of Surgeons, from Alresford, who receives a knighthood.

Wendy Hall, of Romsey, who is professor of computer science at the University of Southampton, is made a dame.

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