Three exceptional Foresters have been awarded gongs in the Queen's New Year Honours List.

Olympic golden girl Charlotte Dujardin, who won an individual gold in the dressage freestyle, has been awarded an OBE, while her teammate Carl Hester won an MBE for the team gold.

The pair train at Carl's stables in Malswick, near Newent, and there are hopes that wonder horse Valegro may be kept rather than sold by the stable.

Great Oaks Forest Hospice founder Sheila Evans is the third outstanding Forester to be awarded an honour for her work helping the terminally ill and their families.

Sheila, from Blaidson, has been awarded the MBE for her work which began in 1999 when she began fundraising to build the Dean's first day hospice.

The project, which has affected thousands of people's lives over the years, provides vital care primarily for patients with cancer though anyone with a potentially life-shortening illness can go to the centre which is based in Coleford.

Sheila credits Jane Bright, the late wife of former Forester editor John Bright, for coming up with the idea of starting the day hospice.

"Through Jane's work with the Macmillan Cancer Support she saw that there was a genuine need for a day centre here," said Sheila.

"It would be a place to take care of the patient's mind, body and spirit –to support them and their families in every possible way.

"My mother cared for people who were poorly and this was an inspiration to me. It's very isolating to have a serious illness and it's so important for these people to be supported."

After a two-year pilot scheme, the new Great Oaks Forest Hospice was built in Coleford. In its first year around 28 patients were cared for – but by 2011 that number had risen to more than 400.

The cost of building the centre was £70,000 but these days this sum is just the annual running cost.

Seriously ill patients enjoy a totally free service, including transport and food at the hospice, while their families can have a rest from providing what is usually round-the-clock care for their loved one.

The charity receives no statutory funding and relies entirely on the generosity of the public. It has shops in Cinderford, Coleford, Lydney, Newent and Newnham-on-Severn.

Sheila said: "Getting the MBE is a great honour. It is recognition of all the work that everyone puts in and I will be the lucky person who collects it.

"Starting the hospice was a dream and the dream's come true."

Sheila was this year's winner of the Pride of the Forest Chairman's Award.