Shirley Williams, from Camrose, has received the British Empire Medal for services to music, the community in west Wales and charitable services.

“I found out in November I’d been nominated,” she said. “I was thrilled to bits I couldn’t believe it. I still can’t believe it. I have no idea who nominated me; it’s been very cloak and dagger.”

Mrs Williams is well-known as the co-founder and musical director of the Landsker Singers, which now consists of two mixed junior choirs and a four part adult choir.

Born in Pembrokeshire Mrs Williams trained at Cardiff, now the Royal College of Music and Drama, and as a chorister, both with the Cardiff Polyphonic and the BBC Welsh Chorus, before returning to her home county.

She has performed as a soloist with many local and national choirs and has dedicated her time and energy to nurturing a love of music in both adults and young people in Pembrokeshire.