FORMER Wales rugby coach Mike Ruddock received his OBE from the Queen at Buckingham Palace yesterday.

Blaina's most famous son, 46, described the day as "a great honour for Welsh rugby".

He also thanked the Welsh Rugby Union for nominating him, describing last year's Grand Slam-winning achievement as "a great team effort by players and management".

Mr Ruddock said the turmoil of the last few weeks had not taken the shine off his day, and explained he had kept busy during the last few weeks by working in his garden, adding it was the "best in the street now".

Retired Gwent schoolteacher Gerald Drewett was awarded his MBE yesterday. He described receiving the honour for charitable services in Newport as "an amazing experience".

Mr Drewett, 69, has been a volunteer relationship counsellor with Marriage Care in his home city of Newport for more than 30 years, a volunteer with Victim Support Gwent for 13 years, works with the chaplaincy team at the Royal Gwent Hospital and is a trustee of the Gwent Bobby Van Trust.

He said: "We were very privileged to get the chance to go to the Palace. "The magic of the day was that I was surrounded by all my family." Mr Drewett was accompanied by his wife, Moira, and three daughters, Clare, Caroline and Elisabeth.

He said the honour should also be shared with his family and fellow volunteers for their support and good work.

Singer Tom Jones also received his knighthood yesterday.