Forte leads honours

Rocco Forte, chairman of the UK's biggest hotel and restaurant group, has been knighted for his services to the tourism industry in the New Year Honours.

Sir Rocco, who is an ardent supporter of the Conservative party, is also president of the British Hospitality Association, a board director of the British Tourist Authority and a non-executive director of the Savoy Group.

Also knighted in this year's honours is Ian Prosser, chairman and chief executive of Bass, the brewer and owner of the world's largest hotel brand, Holiday Inn Worldwide.

Fernley Smith, president of the National Council of Hotels Associations and a tireless campaigner for the small hotelier, becomes an MBE, as does Donald Freeman, former section chef in the House of Commons' principal kitchen.

Also made MBE are two members of the Women's Royal Voluntary Service. Catherine Leah is organiser for Bath meals on wheels, while Barbara McLean is supervisor for Paisley meals on wheels.

Jennifer Robson, president of Northumbria Tourist Board, becomes an OBE, while Kenneth Dick, ex-director of Crawfords Catering, is made a member of the Royal Victorian Order.