A Pembrokeshire headmaster has been honoured in a new Welsh Assembly Government award scheme.

William Rees, the headmaster of Monkton Priory School in Pembroke who received an MBE in 1999 for services to education in Pembrokeshire, received the award for his work in the education of gypsy/traveller children.

The award - entitled 'Recognising Achievement: Service to Wales' - is a new Welsh Assembly initiative and will be awarded annually to 60 people who have made contributions to Wales.

The awards ceremony was made at the banqueting hall at Caerphilly Castle by First Minister Rhodri Morgan AM.

The ceremony was attended by dignitaries from all over Wales, including Clr. Anne Hughes, chairman of Pembrokeshire County Council.

Said Rhodri Morgan: "A decade ago, devolution brought a new form of government to Wales and, with it, an increased sense of pride in Wales.

"While Welsh men and women are recognised, and will continue to be recognised, in the UK honours system, I am pleased to say that 2009 sees the introduction of a new award system which allows the Welsh Assembly Government and others to recognise, and show appreciation for, what people from Wales achieve for themselves and for others."

William Rees said: "I am very proud to receive this award, but it is undoubtedly in recognition of all in our school and their work towards a socially inclusive society."