THE achievements of a nuclear industry leader from Stonehouse have been recognised in the Queen’s New Year honours list.

Gwen Parry-Jones, who works as a safety and assurance director at EDF Nuclear Generation, has been awarded an OBE for services to science and technology.

Her work in the nuclear industry was also recognised earlier this year when she joined the Civil Nuclear Police Authority board as an Industry Representative Member.

Ms Parry-Jones has also blazed a trail for women in the industry.

In 2007, she became the Plant Manager for the Pressurised Water Reactor site at Sizewell B and in 2008, she was appointed as the Station Director at Heysham 1 Nuclear Power Station, being the first woman in the UK to hold either of these two posts.

 A tireless volunteer who has spent more than 60 years improving the village of Shipton Moyne has also been honoured with an MBE.

Mrs Doreen Patricia Gibbings, 80, has been given the honour for her role as postmistress and keeper of the only shop in the village, as well as her work as a councillor.

She was born in Happyland, a nearby collection of houses, and moved to Shipton Moyne at a young age. She has provided many valued and unpaid services and acted as the centre of all village communications by selling tickets for all village events for many years.

She is still a member of the parish council and has been active in encouraging the village to take pride in itself by entering the Britain in Bloom competition and the Bledisloe Cup for the best kept village in Gloucestershire, which Shipton Moyne has won three times.

Mrs Gibbings has served on the village hall committee for 28 years, was its vice-chair for 20 years and is currently its chairman.

She still helps to maintain the hall through her various fundraising activities.

Recalling her many years at the village post office, she said the funniest moment was when someone asked if the shop sold stamps.

She thanked her friends for a party they threw when she finally closed the post office for the last time and said she was pleased to be awarded her MBE.

Long-serving fire fighter and director of adult services have also been awarded honours in the New Year Honours list.

Margaret Willcox has been given the OBE for services to vulnerable people.

She has been working in the public sector for 39 years. She initially trained as a nurse both psychiatric and general, before specialising in dementia care.

Margaret spent some time in the third sector before returning to the NHS and local authorities mostly working in joint posts.

Since coming to Gloucestershire in 2010 she has also been involved in work regionally and nationally for Directors of Adult Social Services (ADASS), whilst working hard to build relationships with health partners in the county.

Peter Bungard, chief executive of Gloucestershire County Council, said: "It's fantastic news that Margaret's dedicated support to services for vulnerable people has been recognised in this way. I had no hesitation in backing this to happen. It's been a pleasure to have Margaret as part of the management team, through some particularly difficult times. She is an asset and I commend her."

Cllr Dorcas Binns, cabinet member for older people said: "In the time I have worked with Margaret I have been so impressed with her dedication and the knowledge she has in her role. It's rightly so that she should be recognised in this way. I look forward to continuing to work with her in the future and what we can achieve for vulnerable people in Gloucestershire."

Bob Coles, who recently retired, was awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) for services to the fire and rescue service and the community.

Bob started his career as a junior fire officer in Gloucester at the age of 16 years old. He moved to Stroud two years later and then continued to serve communities across the county for 36 years. For the last 14 years of his working life he was the county's fleet manager, looking after the services' engines and equipment.

Stewart Edgar, Chief Fire Officer for Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service, said: "This accolade is highly deserved and great recognition for a fire fighter who has dedicated more than 50 years to our fire service and the community.

"We would like to congratulate Bob and wish him all the very the best for his retirement."

Cllr Will Windsor- Clive, cabinet member for community safety, said: "This award is a testament to the fantastic job that all our fire fighters do out in the community. I am delighted that one of our long-standing officers has been honoured in this way- it is truly deserved and I congratulate him."

Peter Bungard added: "Awards of this kind are a terrific achievement. These are two people who obviously go above and beyond."