THE former headteacher of Brecon's special school Ysgol Penmaes Ian Elliott has been named an MBE in the New Year's Honours.

Mr Elliott, who lives in Mountain Ash in the Rhondda, was honoured for his services to special education in Wales. He left the Canal Road school in July 2012.

Also named in the new year's honours was Nigel Annett, of Brecon, the managing director of Welsh Water who receives a CBE.

He is honoured for services to the water industry in Wales and for voluntary service to the charity Wateraid, which works across the globe to improve access to safe and clean water.

John Humprheys, of Rhayader, and Stuart Anthony Skyrme of Talgarth have both received British Empire Medals (BEMs).

Mr Humphreys is honoured for his services to youth music and to the community in Rhayader while homer carer Mr Skyrme's medal is in recognition of his services to elderly people in Talgarth.

Mr Humphreys is a retired headteacher of Rhayader Church in Wales Primary School is currently the organist at St Clement's Church and together with wife Christine runs Rhayader's Voices for Unity mixed Choir.

Christine is the conductor of the choir whose members' ages range from 20 to 80 and John is the accompanist.