A former regional journalist was recognised in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours for his work organising royal visits.

Len Mullins, who used to be news editor of the Western Telegraph, was created a Member of the Victorian Order on the day he retired as press and public relations manager at Pembrokeshire County Council.

The Royal Victorian Order is a dynastic order of knighthood established in 1896 by Queen Victoria which recognises distinguished personal service to the monarch, their family or senior representatives of the monarch.

Len, pictured, was awarded the honour for his work on behalf of the Dyfed Lieutenancy in arranging and organising royal visits to Pembrokeshire and similar services.

Speaking to the Haverfordwest-based Telegraph, the 65-year-old said: “I was genuinely shocked – but thrilled – when I received the notification letter in November from Buckingham Palace.

“It’s also rewarding for the Dyfed Lieutenancy office to be recognised in this way.

“I must acknowledge that I had a very good teacher in Lieutenancy matters in my former boss at the Pembrokeshire County Council, David Thomas.

“With the birth of my second grandson on Wednesday (30 December), it’s been a very special week in what has been a pretty awful year.”

Len joined Telegraph as a senior reporter in 1980, after seven years working in the Pembroke Dock district office of the West Wales Guardian.

He went on to become chief reporter in 1984 and news editor in 1987.

Len joined Pembrokeshire County Council as a press officer in 1999 and officially retired as the authority’s press and public relations manager on New Year’s Eve.