Dedication brings rewards

Buy photos » Leslie Mosley reading his letter from the Cabinet Office. Photo by Jamie Gray 01.012.006.sol.jg2 (www.buyphotos247.com)

A WORKING life dedicated to helping disabled people find employment has been recognised in the New Year honours list.

Leslie Mosley, from Shirley, spent 30 years working for Forward 4 Work, a company which assesses the skills and abilities of people with disabilites to help them find their perfect job.

In recognition of his three decades of service Mr Mosley has been awarded an MBE.

He said: "I was surprised when I found out and I feel humble to have received an MBE. At the unit we trained and helped people with disabilities to find work which suited them.

"I remember we helped one guy get a job at Birmingham Airport where he worked and repaired the runway lights.

"Most of my life I felt that disabled people were short changed in life and when the opportunity came up for me to work with them I jumped at it."

Mr Mosley had to retire last year because of ill health but said he stays in touch with the colleagues and friends at his former workplace who nominated him for an MBE.

And he is not the only Solihull resident to have been honoured in the New Year list.

Knowle ward councillor Diana Holl-Allen said she is 'thrilled' to have been recognised for her long-standing work on the West Midlands Police Authority which she has served on for 14 years.

Mrs Holl-Allen is currently vice chair of the authority and deputy chair of the Association of Police Authorities, the national body which brings together the regional authorities.

She said: "I'm absolutely thrilled to bits to be given an MBE. I found out six weeks ago by letter and it's confidential so I couldn't tell anyone.

"I'm delighted I have been recognised for my work with the police. My main role is to work with colleagues on the authority to support the police and hold them to account."

But changes are due to be introduced which will see Police Authorities replaced by elected individuals.

Mrs Holl-Allen said: "I'm very sorry to see authorities go as they are made up of people who want to help the community.

"I want to thank my colleagues at the authority for nominating me. The police are wonderful and enthusiastic in their vital role in the community.

"I have always tried to give support and advice and I want to say thank you to everyone who has put me in the position to receive the award."

Both Mrs Holl-Allen and Mr Mosley will receive letters in the next few months inviting them to Buckingham Palace to collect their MBEs.