A woman who set up a charity to help support military children has been appointed an MBE.
Louise Fetigan, from Wareham, has been recognised in the king’s New Year Honours list for services to young people in Dorset.
The 43-year-old founded the charity Little Troopers in 2011, which supports children with parents in the armed forces by providing resources to help ease the challenges of military life.
Ms Fetigan said she “adored” the charity, adding it had taken “so much sacrifice, passion and love”.
“I absolutely adore the change and the difference that we are making for military children,” she said.
“This award is so much bigger than little old me, it is giving recognition that Little Troopers is needed and the work we are doing is impactful.”
Ms Fetigan added that the honour came about in a special way as she had no idea she was being put forward for the award, which recognises people helping people in the community.
“I found out that my brother who used to work for Little Troopers had started this nomination process a good few years ago,” she said.
“Unfortunately he did die unexpectedly two and a half years ago from bowel cancer and someone in my teams decided to pick it up and continue that nomination.
“So it’s really, really special to me that he was a little part in this process and I hope today he is looking down and is super proud.”
