A HEALTH expert from Aberaeron is among British doctors, scientists and advisors whose role in developing treatments that helped end the Ebola epidemic that killed 11,000 people worldwide has been recognised in the New Year honours list.

Professor John Edmunds, Dean of Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health at The London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, has been awarded an OBE for his services to infectious disease control.

Prof Edmunds, 48, is a former pupil at Aberaeron Secondary School and his parents, Noel and Janice, still live in the town.

“I am thrilled to receive this wonderful award,” he told the Cambrian News.“

Meanwhile, NFU Cymru’s former director, Mary James, a one-time resident of Tregaron, said she was delighted to have received a MBE for her services to agriculture in Wales.

Mrs James retired in September 2014 after 15 years working for NFU Cymru - nine years as deputy director before being appointed director in 2008.

She continues her interest in farming and is a trustee of the Farm Safety Foundation.

“I was not expecting this but I’m very pleased,” she said.