Douglas Hartley (left) has been awarded an MBE

Douglas Hartley, 71, joined the St. John Ambulance Brigade in December 1942 and has made a huge contribution to the charity's work.

Singer Iris Williams and a health expert who helped combat the spread of Sars in China are among those from south east Wales who are also recognised.

Iris Williams, who grew up in the south Wales Valleys before finding fame and concentrating her work in America, has been awarded an OBE.

Dr Meirion Evans, a lecturer at the University Wales College of Medicine in Cardiff, has been made an OBE for services to the World Health Organisation in China.

Mr Hartley, currently Deputy Chief Commander for Wales in St John Ambulance, has been awarded with an MBE.

It's fantastic to be recognised for everything you have put into your business Laura Tenison

Keith Dunn, Chief Executive for St. John in Wales, said everyone in St. John was absolutely delighted that Her Majesty has recognised the outstanding contribution that Doug has made to the work of the organisation throughout Wales.

Also honoured with an OBE is the director of Techniquest, the science discovery centre in Cardiff Bay, Colin Johnson.

"Techniquest meets or exceeds all its targets each year, thanks to a wonderfully committed staff - and since they can't all have the OBE I am delighted that this recognition has been conferred on me as director," he said.

Laura Tenison, the 37-year-old founder and managing director of the internet and mail order maternity and baby wear firm, JoJo Maman B�b�, gets an MBE.

Launched ten years ago with two part time employees, JoJo Maman B�b� now has 90 employees, a sales and distribution centre in Newport and a turnover of around �10m.