Talybont-on-Usk resident, Major Derek Munro, has been awarded an MBE for his work as head of army cadets in Powys.

Major Munro, 61, has been in the role since 2004, and been involved in Cadet forces in Dyfed, Glamorgan, Gwent and Powys, and has now been named in the New Year’s honours list.

He told the Brecon and Radnor Express about the first time he heard the news, and said: “I was emailed by the cabinet office and received an email around the end of November. Initially I thought it was a hoax, until I read into it! I had to keep it quiet until a set time on December 30.

“First of all, I was incredibly humbled but massively proud for a job that I really love doing, and I never ever thought I’d get awarded for doing something that I enjoy.”

He also spoke about the enjoyment and importance of the job he does, which has led to him receiving the accolade.

Major Munro said: “I love it. You can see the benefits of what we do, you see a young child join us at the age of twelve and leaving as a young adult prepared for the world, and that’s as good as it gets.”

Speaking about how proud his family are of the recognition, he said: “When we sat back and thought about it, we were massively proud. These awards are not given out to everybody, they’re only given out to a small handful of people!”

Born in the West Highlands in Scotland, Major Munro and his family have lived in the Brecon area since 1998.

“I love the area, I come from the west Highlands, the west coast of Scotland and living in Talybont-on-Usk with the beautiful area of the Brecon beacons, you couldn’t ask for a better place to live,” he said.

Major Munro is yet to be called forward to Buckingham Palace or Windsor Castle to receive his MBE.