ACHIEVEMENTS by Forest and Wye Valley people, from helping reinvigorate a village green to leading the screening programme to stop the deadly Ebola virus spreading to the UK, have been recognised in the New Year’s Honours.

Two people have been given OBEs for their roles in health services and two British Empire Medals were awarded for community work in the Forest.

Mrs Rose Peaty of Blakeney, who receives the British Empire Medal (BEM), has worked on several projects in Blakeney, including renovation of the village hall, the opening of the Otters Holt community café, the creation of the woodland walk, new play equipment and the re-opening of the footpath between Blakeney and Soudley.

In 2009 she founded the Blakeney Community Green project with Ewart Woolley to develop a community  all-weather path round the village green, create additional play areas for local children, establish the community café,  build a nature trail and provide access to ‘conservation woodland’.

Less than four years later all this work was completed and, in the process, had won more than £100,000 funding from major donors including Village SOS, part of the Big Lottery fund and the Gloucestershire Environmental Trust, as well as enlisting the services of Gloucester Wildlife Trust.

Rose said “Of course I am really pleased to be recognised but the really important thing is that we, the whole community, worked together to achieve these good outcomes for Blakeney and the Forest of Dean.

“We couldn’t have got this far without our volunteers and fundraisers.

“My thanks go to our star fundraisers, especially Linda White, who ran the Cardiff Half marathon with Ewart Woolley, not forgetting  Sue Adams and our other  volunteers, friends, supporters and suppliers.

“This is a real community award for Blakeney and its people; it’s a great honour and a wonderful local community.”

Garry King, the chief executive of Two Rivers Housing which worked with Rose on a number of projects, said she is “an inspirational lady” and “an example to everyone”.

Pam Martin also receives the BEM for her community work based around St Michael’s and All Angels Church in Mitcheldean.

Mrs Martin is one of a group from St Michael’s who, along with Forest Gate Church in the village, set up a monthly lunch club which includes people who have mobility difficulties being brought by volunteers.

There is also a weekly coffee, cake and chat session on Thursdays and home-made produce is delivered around the village.

The church has also played a central role in the annual Mitcheldean fete and folk festival.

In 2000 Mrs Martin formed a committee to raise funds to repair the spire on the 800-year-old church.

“We got such tremendous support – the church is here and it is part of people’s lives whether they come to services or not.

“It is our job to reach out into the community.”

Dr Jenny Harries, who lives in Monmouth, is awarded the OBE for services to public health.

As the regional director for public health in the south of England, she led Public Health England’s rapid response to the Prime Minister’s request to maintain Ebola screening and the returning workers programme.

She was previously director of public health for the Monmouthshire Health Board.

Dr Roger Head, of Highnam, also receives the OBE for services to charity and the community in Gloucestershire.

Dr Head is chairman of trustees for the Pied Piper Appeal, based at Gloucestershire Royal Hospital, which funds medical and practical equipment that enhances the care and treatment for children in hospital.

He is also the current High Sheriff of Gloucestershire.