Lympstone boxing coach Neil Parsons, who used the sport to steer young men away from criminality, has received the British Empire Medal in the King's Birthday Honours.
Neil started boxing at the age of 16 and went on to found the Lympstone Amateur Boxing Club. in 1968. He made it his mission to bring troubled youths into the club and divert their energies into boxing rather than crime and anti-social behaviour.
Over the years he has won several awards for his work with young people and his success in building up the club.
Neil has received his BEM for services to sport.
He told the Journal: "I was honoured and humbled to receive the award. Doesn't normally happen to people like me, but it's all down to the kids that came through the club and the people in the background that I got this award."
Also in the King's Birthday Honours, Anne Elizabeth Radcliffe has received the BEM for services to the community in Otterton.
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