A familiar Monmouthshire figure, the Reverend Dr Jean Prosser, has been cited on the Queen's New Year's Honours List.

Dr Prosser, who is the priest for the parishes of Grosmont, Skenfrith, Llanfair and Llangattock, has been made a Member of the Order of the British Empire for her services to conservation and the Monmouthshire community.

Among other activities, she has been closely involved in restoration work at St Cadocs Church at Llangattock, and in 2003 she founded the Village Alive Trust to encourage the restoration of other historic buildings across the county.

She expressed surprise to have won the award: "I had no idea how it happened or who would have put my name forward."

Also honoured was Raglan resident Dr Sian Rees, who was awarded a CBE. She is Inspector of Ancient Monuments with Cadw.