Pembrokeshire sports correspondent and well known fundraiser Bill Carne was among those recognised in the New Year’s honours list.

Seventy-five-year-old William Edward Carne who lives in Treffgarne has become the county’s first recipient of a King’s New Year Honour for his services to sport and charity, receiving a BEM (British Empire Medal).

Bill spent almost 35 years with the old West Wales Guardian and the Western Telegraph as their sports journalist, and continues to report on matches around the county through the Pembrokeshire Sport website.

Bill first set out in sports journalism after being asked to help Colin Kaijaks when his fellow Pembroke batsman took on the role of Sports Editor at The West Wales Guardian and got Bill involved as a means of relaxation from his role as an English teacher at Milford Haven Central School.

“I have met some of the rugby greats like Sir Gareth Edwards, JJ Williams, Delme Thomas and many other rugby internationals visiting the county, as well as locals like Jonathan Thomas, Dominic Day, Rob Evans, Mike Phillips, Jonathan and James ‘Cub’ Davies – plus our football stars like Simon ‘Digger’ Davies, Mark Delaney and Joe Allen,” said Bill in a previous interview.

“But what has always given me my greatest joy in being privileged to interview so many locals, with Jacob Thomas as a favourite from the Paralympics alongside Libi Phillips, Lily Rice and so many people who have put an enormous amount into their sport.

“Arguably the greatest impact on me in sport has been to be involved with the Sport Pembrokeshire Awards since their inception, with people of the calibre of manager Ben Field, Alan Jones, Russell Jones, Matt Freeman, Lois Hilling and the rest, especially with Angela Miles and her outstanding work with Disability Sport.”

Another part of his work has been helping a range of clubs and charities with fund-raising quizzes, and it is estimated that over the years he has raised approaching a six-figure sum for local good causes.

He lists the fundraiser closest to his heart being the appeal he launched to buy a new wheelchair for young Pembrokeshire boccia star Jacob Thomas, raising £17,000 for the cause.

“Watching Jacob rolling out in his wheelchair at the London Paralympics in 2012 was one of my top three sporting moments, along with seeing Roger Federer playing on the Centre Court at Wimbledon and watching the New Zealand rugby team for the first time at the National Stadium,” said Bill.

“Jacob was a lovely, lovely boy and it was a very sad time for me when he died in 2020 at the age of 25. Even now I get choked up just thinking about him,” continued Bill, who is an honorary life member of Haverfordwest Cricket Club and Pembrokeshire Amateur Boxing Club, and has previously been secretary of Pembrokeshire Sports Development and is a trustee of the Haverfordwest Racecourse Public Parks.

Secretary of State for Wales, David TC Davies, said: “I am inspired by the invaluable work of the many people from across Wales who have deservedly been recognised on the New Year Honours List.

“It is fantastic to see Welsh recipients from a wide range of backgrounds being recognised. I am thrilled that their commitment to their communities, sport and health services has been commended.

“I would like to congratulate all recipients being honoured and thank them for their incredible work.”