A former Monmouth schoolboy has been honoured in the King’s Birthday Honours list

Noel Manns, 65, of Llangrove, has been awarded an Order of the British Empire for his political and public service.

Mr Manns is a governor on the board of Haberdashers Monmouth Schools as well as being a prominent member of the Hereford branch of the Prayer Book Society.

If the name Manns has a familiar ring to Monmouth readers, it’s because his father had the BMC motor garages in St James’ Square, now St James’ Mews.

St James’ Garage was run by GF, E, & B, Manns, an authorised Morris and Austin garage and latterly BMC.

The business was started by George Manns in 1918 and at one time, he had 18 mechanics working for him.

His son, Erick, took over the business along with his wife Beryl, mum and dad to Noel.

Noel is married with two daughters, his interests include history, politics, cricket, rugby and the charitable sector.