THE Forest of Dean and surrounding areas has harvested a rich crop of ‘gongs’ in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours list.

This year’s select few includes a satisfyingly broad cross section of society encompassing high profile political appointees, education officials, military servicemen and village and club volunteers.

What they have in common is an unswerving dedication to the sectors of the community they serve.

Dame Janet Trotter, Gloucestershire’s Lord-Lieutenant since 2010, has been appointed Commander of the Royal Victorian Order.

As Lord-Lieutenant, she is the Queen’s representative in the county, organising formal royal visits and is involved with the military and with many charitable and commercial organisations.

She has already been awarded with OBE in 1991 and a DBE on 2001 for services to education.

Cinderford serviceman, Warrant Officer Robert Weaving, has been awarded the MBE for services to the RAF, although as an 18-year-old he was initially rejected by the Gloucester recruiting office.

WO Weaving, 53, currently living in Aylesbury was educated at Bilson Primary School and the Forest of Dean Grammar School.

Eileen Magee of Hartpury has been awarded the British Empire Medal in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours list, for her services to the community.

Since moving to the Hartpury more than 20 years ago, she has made equally substantial contributions to both village life and Cheltenham Croquet Club.

Stuart McLester of Coleford has been awarded the MBE for services to education in Monmouth and the Forest of Dean.

Mr McLester has been a Governor at Monmouth Comprehensive School for 29 years and a Governor at Coalway Junior School for 30 years and has served stints as chairman in both cases.

Professor Karen Holford, deputy vice chancellor, Cardiff University has been awarded the CBE for services to engineering and the advancement of women in science and engineering.

Her father owned a garage in Huntley and she attended Huntley and Newent Community Schools.