VOLUNTEER helpers from a variety of local organisations are among those who have been rewarded for their efforts in the Queen's Birthday Honours list.

Pat Hillman from Gilwern gains an MBE for her services to the Scout Movement in Monmouthshire along with Liz Sullivan who is recognised for her work in setting up the In the Pink charity; Derrick Price from Raglan is awarded an OBE in recognition of his work with DEFRA and Cruse Bereavement Care while Mike Pullin from Grosmont gains the BEM for his work with St Michael's Hospice in Herefordshire.

Mrs Hillman, a 65-year-old grandmother originally joined the 1st Gilwern Scouts as a group secretary after which she became the scout leader. She was later appointed as the deputy district commissioner. In her most recent role she is now the Monmouthshire and District Scout leader training manager.

An MBE was also awarded to Liz Sullivan, who along with five other women set up the In the Pink charity eleven years ago. Mrs Sullivan is recognised for her charitable services helping to support breast cancer research.

Mrs Sullivan explained that the In The Pink founders were all women who had been diagnosed with breast cancer and that their charity has for ten years got people to walk along the Monmouthshire and Brecon canal towards Llangynidr in bright pink outfits, to raise money for breast cancer research at Velindre Hospital and Cardiff University.

Mrs Sullivan told the Chronicle that in 1960 her uncle Ivor Evans had been awarded an MBE for his work with gymnastics and that it was an honour for her to follow him.

She added: "It was an incredible surprise to receive the letter. I had to reread it several times to take it all in.

"I'm accepting this honour, but even though it's got my name on it, it's for all of us who have been behind the In The Pink campaign for eleven years.

" We had intended that last year's walk, which celebrated the charity's tenth anniversary, was to be our last as we had reached our target of £1 million.

"However I told the others I was carrying on raising money in a small way and last weekend 800 people took part in a fun-run and charity walk along the Sustrans cycle path between Brynmawr and Llanfoist which has raised around £35,000.

"I can't stop fund-raising, I've got the bug and it's important that we carry on raising as much as we can for cancer research.

"Lots of people and the business community from the Abergavenny area have greatly supported our efforts over the past decade and I am grateful to the Chronicle's help in publicising our events too."

A former Gwent Police officer has been awarded an Order of the British Empire in recognition of his work with DEFRA and Cruse Bereavement Care.

Derrick Price, aged 63, lives in Raglan and was a police officer for 30 years before joining the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs in 1999.

Mr Price is also a qualified counsellor who has worked for the past 14 years as a volunteer for the local branch of Cruse Bereavement Care, which helps people of all ages who have lost family members.

He is also the senior investigator at DEFRA in charge of a team investigating criminal and regulatory offences committed against central government.

A British Empire Medal is awarded to 76-year old Mike Pullin, Chairman of Grosmont Community Council for his services to St Michael's Hospice, Herefordshire, which provides palliative care, education and training in the area.

Mr Pullin added: "Being recognised in this way gives credence to what I am doing. The hospice, even though it's in Herefordshire, covers this region and many people from this village and the surrounding area have benefited from using it.

"I'm not after a medal for myself, it's a team effort and it would be hard to raise the amount we do without the others.

"The Hospice Angels was formed in 2003 and we've already raised £170,000. We organise numerous events throughout the year and even when I give a talk to various groups and organisations I go around with the collecting bucket.

"But when the village got to hear that I had been mentioned in the Queen's Birthday honours on Saturday, a spontaneous party was organised for me and, yes, the collecting bucket was being passed round."

Additionally the Chief Constable of Gwent, Carmel Napier, who took up the post in April 2011 having previously been the force's deputy chief constable, is honoured with the Queen's Police Medal.

Chief Constable Napier said she was thrilled to receive the award, adding: "I believe this is a significant tribute to the great work and achievements of those in the services, communities and other agencies that I have worked with and for, and also recognises my personal contribution to policing and leadership."

The Secretary of State for Wales Cheryl Gillan said: "With the joyous celebrations of the Diamond Jubilee still fresh in our memories, it is important that we celebrate the selfless individuals who do so much to improve the lives of those around them. 

"That is why I'm delighted to extend my warmest congratulations to everyone who has been recognised in the Queen's Birthday Honours list. 

"Each and every one of them has been selected for their dedication, commitment and tireless work in helping to improve the lives of others, and these awards are a testament to the esteem in which they are held in their communities."