A WELL-KNOWN Perth charity worker received the MBE at Buckingham Palace yesterday.

Denise Fagg was honoured for her contribution over many years to the charitable and voluntary sectors in Perth and Kinross.

She received the MBE for services to Perth and Kinross Association of Voluntary Service (PKAVS) and Crossroads Care.

Mrs Fagg retired in 200l after 10 years as chief executive of PKAVS. During that time she was instrumental in the redevelopment of Perth’s Gateway Centre, raising over £1m to create a one-stop venue for the voluntary sector.

It is a flagship facility, incorporating a conference centre, meeting rooms and numerous offices for voluntary organisations.

While at PKAVS, she was also responsible for setting up the first Princess Royal Trust for Carers respite centre in the UK.

Other services developed during this period were the walled garden project, independent advocacy, the Volunteer Development Agency and Shopmobility.

Before coming to Perth, Mrs Fagg managed the Crossroads Care Scheme in Inverness and helped to establish other schemes throughout the Highlands.

Also while in Inverness, she was jointly responsible for creating the now-annual Marymas Fair, which raises money for Crossroads.

During the l990s, she was chairwoman of the Perth and Kinross branch of Crossroads and also became vice-chairwoman of the Association of Crossroads Schemes (UK).

Mrs Fagg has tirelessly campaigned for recognition for all carers, latterly concentrating on the plight of young carers and the development of appropriate services to meet their needs.

Although retired, she is the chairwoman of the MS Society for Scotland, and of the Southton Smallholding and a support worker for the Perth Sheriff Court’s witness support service.

Mrs Fagg is married to Brian and has two children and three grandchildren.