SEVERAL people from Monmouthshire have been named on the 2014 Queen's New Year's Honours List.

Among those featured on the list is Professor Susan Ellen Bale who was awarded an OBE for her services to nursing and nursing research. Professor Bale is the director of research and development at Aneurin Bevan Health Board and co-ordinates and oversees its research.

Professor Bale is a founding member of the Wound Healing Research Unit in Cardiff and she also helped to establish the European Wound Management Association and the European Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel.

Professor Bale said: "I was shocked when I discovered the news, I was with my husband when I received the rather official looking letter. I'm absolutely thrilled and delighted to receive an OBE.

"I've had a fantastic career in nursing over the past 38 years. It has been a privilege to be a nurse and to contribute to nursing research, practice and education."

Deputy Chepstow Town Mayor Ned Heywood has been awarded an MBE for his services to the community in Chepstow and the Wye Valley.

Councillor Heywood said: "I was at home when the letter came with Cabinet Office stamped on it. I had no idea that I was going to receive an MBE and I still don't know who nominated me.

"I'd say my highlights of working in the community would be the Son et Lumiere at Tintern but also the Chepstow Festival in general, a lot of positive things have grown and developed in Chepstow because of the festival particularly in the arts.

"Another highlight for me is the Drill Hall. It was going to be closed, and now it's a very important venue run by volunteers hosting a theatre, cinema and book events.

"I'm looking forward to receiving my award and it would be nice to take my 92-year-old mother up to the ceremony itself."

Brian Mahony, director of the Forest Enterprise England has been recognised for his services to Forestry, the Environment and Recreation. Mr Mahony was the deputy surveyor of the Forest of Dean in the mid-1990s.

Along with the help of the Ramblers Association, the Wye Valley AONB and others, he was able to secure the funding to rebuild the Biblins Bridge in the Wye Valley.

Mr Mahony said: "On a personal level, I have been fortunate to have had the chance to spend the last few years of my career leading Forest Enterprise England and the marvellous team of people that manage the Forestry Commission's forests for the public throughout all of England.

"At national level, my highlight has to be being closely involved in the development, over the last decade or so, of the Forestry Commission's community woodlands.

"These are new woodland created in and around major towns and cities such as Manchester, Liverpool and East London and the coalfields of Yorkshire and Nottinghamshire.

"They replace dereliction, provide homes for wildlife and create new opportunities for people to enjoy walking and play close to where they live.

"I have been very fortunate to have worked in the Forestry Commission for 34 years, and throughout my career I have always tried to make the connection between forests, wildlife and people - looking for opportunities to encourage and enable people and communities to make full use of their woodlands and to enjoy all that they have to offer.

"I have also had a particular interest in training and apprenticeships and in improving the health and safety of those who work in the forest industry."

The Queen's Volunteer Reserves Medal was awarded to Colonel Alastair James Cooper, T.D. of the Royal Engineers (Militia), Army Reserve.

Col Cooper said: "I found out I'd been awarded the medal when I was working in Northhampton. I'm absolutely delighted and everyone has been so complimentary, it was such a nice way to end the year and a good way to begin 2014.

"A highlight for me has been serving as Commanding Officer of the Royal Monmouthshire Royal Engineers (militia), it is a branch that has a lot of special history.

"I've also worked for the 29 EOD (Explosive Ordinance Disposal) and search group as a senior army reserve officer.

"I've already had my celebratory bottle of champagne and I'm looking forward to finding out when I can go and collect my award."

Julie Brown, a ward sister from Nevill Hall Hospital, is being honoured with an MBE for her services to nursing and stroke services in Wales.

Rosemary Butler AM, the presiding officer for the National Assembly for Wales, is being honoured with a DBE for her political and public services.