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A Machen man has been awarded the OBE in the New Year’s Honours list.

John Rose, who is Wales Director of the National Lottery Community Fund, said he was “humbled” to receive the Order of the British Empire.

He said: “It’s been an honour to work for The National Lottery Community Fund since 2003 and in that time witness the remarkable work undertaken by communities, thanks to National Lottery funding.

“It has been a real pleasure to meet the inspirational people who run the projects we fund that touch the lives of people and communities they support across Wales.

“I would like to say a big thank you to all those I have had the privilege to work with over the years in the voluntary, public and private sector in Wales, but particularly to the amazing team of colleagues at the fund.”

John has enjoyed an eclectic career. Having trained as a chef before travelling internationally he then went on to study Environmental Systems and Applied Hydrobiology at the University of Wales, before working for an Environmental Charity.

He joined The National Lottery Community Fund in 2003 and leads its team in Wales as well as leading its UK-wide environmental strategy.

He is also an active volunteer in Machen where he lives with his family.