A FORMER musician who launched a pioneering service to help West Dorset’s pensioners sort out their finances has been awarded an MBE.

Paddy Millard, 65, set up Tax Help for Older People (TOP) in 2001 to assist retired folk on low incomes to cope with the complex tax system.

Operating from the Pineapple Farm business estate at Salway Ash it was so successful in 2005 it was awarded a Lottery grant of £254,000 to expand nationwide.

Now Mr Millard and his eight helpers oversee an operation which involves 10 regional co-ordinators and 721 frontline volunteers across the country, assisting around 15,000 clients each year.

Yesterday he said the honour was a reflection of the work of his dedicated team of paid for staff and volunteers.

He said: “I just have the privilege of leading them. This is not so much for me as recognition for all of them. Everyone is vital in some way and they do an excellent job.”

Viola player Mr Millard, 66, became interested in taxation system when, as a member of a group of struggling musicians in London, he joined the low incomes tax reform group.

After taking early retirement at 55 as director of instrumental services in the borough of Haringey, he set about launching TOP from his home at West Bexington.

“It was something worth doing and it has benefited tens of thousands of vulnerable older people across the country who otherwise would often be left in tears and distress,” he added.

l SIX times former Mayor of Lyme Regis Barbara Austin was also awarded the MBE for her services to the town while Royal Navy Commander David Hunkin, 41, a former pupil at Woodfroffe School, Lyme Regis, has been awarded the OBE for his work as Commander of a Mine Countermeas-ures Squadron in the Gulf.