The MBE for services to agriculture has been awarded to one of Pembrokeshire's best-known farming figures, George Mathias.

Mr Mathias, aged 79, of Summerton Farm, Sageston, began farming in 1955 and played an important role in the National Farmers Union for many years.

He first joined the union's Kilgetty branch and rose to become county NFU chairman, serving as a county delegate to the national council for some 17 years.

One of his proudest acheivements while on the national council was helping to put in place a Legal Assistance Scheme for NFU members. “I was very, very proud of that scheme, which helped a lot of people and saw us fight some difficult cases,” he said.

Mr Mathias has long-standing connections with a variety of aspects of agricultural life, including YFC and cattle judging. He and his wife May have two sons - Clive, a solicitor and Andrew, who runs the family business at Summerton.

“The New Year’s Honour has come very much as a surprise,” said Mr Mathias. “Looking back, I can see I have covered quite a bit of ground, but I would not have come so far without the help and support of the wonderful team of staff and family I have had behind me.”