Sally Robinson, who has inspired and taught generations of young people in Falmouth, has been presented with her British Empire Medal at a ceremony held at County Hall in Truro.

It was announced in June that Sally had been awarded the BEM in the Queen’s Birthday Honours in recognition of her service to community arts as the founder of the Young Generation theatre company. It was only this month, however, that she received the medal from the Lord Lieutenant of Cornwall, Colonel Edward Bolitho.

It was in 1981 that Sally formed the hugely successful Young Generation with the aim of achieving a high standard of acting, dancing and singing while keeping its membership open to all. She has had a major impact on the lives over 800 young people by introducing them to the pleasures and discipline of putting on major musical shows.

In addition, Sally has also been a leading member of the Cornwall Drama Association, established the Killigrew Singers and in the 1990s was involved with developing The Poly's programme of drama, dance and music when she was its programme director.

Although used to being in the limelight, Sally admitted she was "embarrassed" when her award citation was read out in front of an audience of family and friends. "Having to stand up there in front of everybody was hugely embarrassing, but once that was over and I had received the medal, I enjoyed it all," she said.

"I felt very thrilled, obviously, but I am keen for it to be understood that I am only a figurehead for a lot of other people who have achieved so much as well. I do, though, feel I have done the best I can for the town. I have always loved singing and always felt if I could pass on some of that enthusiasm for singing, I have done something worthwhile."

Sally was joined at the ceremony by her husband, Tony, and their three children as well by friends from the Young Generation, the Killigrew Singers, The Poly and the Cornwall Drama Association. In addition to leaving with the BEM, Sally also returned to Falmouth with a Cornwall Council shield made from South Crofty tin which had been presented to her by the council's chairman, Cllr Ann Kerridge.