Gruffalo author and patron of the Savoy Theatre, Julia Donaldson, has been made a dame in this year’s King’s Birthday Honours List.

She was awarded the Dames Commander of the Order of the British Empire for her services to Literature.

Dame Julia called the honour "a very happy surprise".

She explained: "I'm so grateful for all the enthusiastic support I've had during my career from people in the book world – those in the very many libraries, schools and bookshops I've visited over the years, my wonderful illustrators, the publishers and literacy charities I've been involved with, and of course my readers.”

Llanishen man Martin Blakebrough was honoured with an OBE for hishis extensive services supporting people affected by substance misuse

He was a former Chief Executive Officer of the Kaleidoscope Project and retired from the role after nearly three decades of leadership.

Martin remains actively involved in the drug and alcohol sector, working as a Patron of the Kaleidoscope Project and advocating for social change.

In his spare time he is actively involved with his local running club, the Spirit of Monmouth and was male runner in 2022 and male runner (age graded) in 2020. He shared the title of Male Runner in 2017 with Jeremy Creasey,after first holding it in 2015. He loves football with a season ticket to see Wales, goes ski-ing and enjoys spending time with his family. He is married to former Monmouthshire County Councillor and paramedic, Debbie.

Chepstow’s Jamie Paul Goddard, who recently served as assistant headteacher with responsibility for the sixth form at Chepstow Comprehensive School was awarded the BEM for his contributions to education, charity and young people.

The full list of BEM, MBE, OBE, CBE and Dame-level honours highlights contributions to public life, education, health, charity, and more.