THE Finchley-based founder of the Anne Frank Trust has said she is “absolutely delighted” to be handed an MBE in the New Year Honours list.

Gillian Walnes, 58, founded the trust in 1990 and has travelled the length and breadth of the UK setting up exhibitions spreading the messages of Anne Frank's diary to three million people.

She said: “It's a wonderful recognition for the trust which I've spent 20 years of my life building up.

“I would hope this helps to raise the profile of our work and it's recognition for the work which is being done by a wonderful group of people who work for the trust now.

“This gives a great fillip to our work in educating young people to reject prejudice and discrimination, a mission which in these uncertain times, is even more needed.”

Mrs Walnes started the trust from her home in Dorset in 1990 and ran it until 2004 from her North Finchley home. It now employs 14 staff members.

She said the honour would be dedicated to her husband Tony Bogush, who died three years ago. He was important in the growth of the charity as they had lived for so many years “in and above the shop”.

Dr Ann Limb, chairman of the trustees, said: “This honour is richly deserved and a huge tribute to the leadership and success Gillian has brought to the Anne Frank Trust.

“Trustees are particularly pleased that Gillian’s work has been honoured at the culmination of a year of events held by the trust to mark what would have been Anne’s 80th birthday.”