LOCAL people have been recognised in the Queen’s 90th Birthday Honours announced today (Saturday)

Sarah Byford Usk has been made an MBE in recognition of her services to grassland societies and rural communities

Ms Byford has been the secretary of the Monmouthshire Grassland Society for more than 40 years, a justice of the peace for 10 years and a rainbow guider since 1994.

She is an avid supporter of the Federation of Welsh Grassland Societies and was elected chair for the year 2002.

She says the award is as much for her fellow volunteers and those she has helped.

Also honoured was former High Sheriff of Gwent, lieutenant colonel Andrew Tuggey, 68, who has been given a British Empire Medal (BME) for his services to the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association and the community in south-east Wales.