MONMOUTHSHIRE residents were among those recognised in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list.

A British Empire Medal was awarded to Dr Dick McPherson, for his services to education and charity.

As chairman of Monmouth Aid, his group has helped to create a sustainable future for deprived regions in Ethiopia and supported schools in their construction and expansion.

The work is done by the international charity Action Aid who act as their agents and their representatives have visited the project every few years. In the past, sixth form students from Monmouth have travelled to the areas they are helping.

In 2010, the Beacon reported that Monmouth Aid raised £18,000 to support the building of two new schools in Meroshile and Shamala, in the Kemba region of Ethiopia.

In 2014-2016, they helped provide clean water for Mero Primary School after an expansion programme a few years earlier.

A BEM was also awarded to Lyndon Baglin from Chepstow for services to brass band music.

Mr Baglin has been playing the euphonium for over 69 years and tutored for 20 years and has played with many bands over the years, including the famous Brighouse and Rastrick Band.

Currently involved in the Forest of Dean Brass band and a life member of Lydbrook Band, he was awarded Champion Soloist of Great Britain in 1971 and been part of the winning band at national championships at the Royal Albert Hall four times and at the British open twice.

An OBE was given to fellow Chepstow resident Miss Patricia Fernon, deputy head of Commercial Land Equipment for the Ministry of Defence for services to defence procurement. She told the Beacon: “I was surprised, delighted and humbled to be awarded the OBE”.

Patricia has been responsible for procuring equipment for the Armed Forces and has been involved in operational and overseas tours to the Falkland Islands, Bosnia and Washington DC. She is currently vice-captain of the Monmouthshire Ladies Country Golf Association.

The Queen’s Fire Service Medal was awarded to Chief Fire Officer Huw Dennis Jakeway of the South Wales Fire and Rescue Service.

Stuart McLester, former chair of governors for Monmouth Comprehensive School, has been given his MBE medal by Prince Charles in recognition of his years of work in education.