AN INSPIRATIONAL Pembrokeshire woman has been presented with the British Empire Medal at a special ceremony at County Hall.

His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Dyfed, Miss Sara Edwards, presented the BEM to Mrs Lynne McCutcheon during the ceremony, which was held in the Council Chamber on June 22.

Mrs McCutcheon received the honour for services to disadvantaged children in Nepal and India.

The British Empire Medal is awarded for meritorious civil or military service worthy of recognition by the Crown. It recognises sustained local contribution, or innovative and high-impact work within a community.

Mrs McCutcheon was honoured in recognition of her 22 years as funding trustee and chairman of New Futures Nepal, through which she has helped transform the lives of disadvantaged children, many of them living with disabilities.

Her voluntary leadership has supported care, education and opportunities for vulnerable young people, helping to create lasting change and improve thousands of lives.

Mrs McCutcheon said: “I am deeply honoured to receive this award, but it really reflects the efforts of many people.

“My heartfelt thanks go to fellow trustees, partner charities in Nepal and India, and all the donors, volunteers, friends and family whose support has made our work possible.

“I accept this recognition on behalf of everyone who has trusted us to change lives and bring hope to those most in need in Nepal.”

Mrs McCutcheon was joined at the ceremony by family and friends, along with Council Chairman Cllr Delme Harries.

Miss Edwards said: “It was both an enormous privilege and a huge pleasure to present Pembrokeshire resident Mrs Lynne McCutcheon with her British Empire Medal for her many years of commitment to helping disadvantaged children and young people in Nepal.

“Her dedication to supporting and improving the lives of these young people, ensuring that they all have better futures in Nepal, is truly inspirational. I warmly congratulate her on her very deserved honour.”

Assisting the Lord-Lieutenant during the ceremony was Pembrokeshire Lord-Lieutenant Cadet Aeron James.

YOUNG people from across Pembrokeshire have enjoyed two successful Additional Learning Needs multisport events, giving them the chance to try a wide range of activities in a welcoming and inclusive environment.

Thirty children from the south of the county attended the first event at Pembroke Leisure Centre on June 16, while a further 19 children from north Pembrokeshire took part in a second event at Fishguard Leisure Centre on June 30.

Both events were supported by main sponsor Valero.

Children were able to try a variety of sports and activities, including rugby, cricket, dance, boccia and boxing, with basketball also included at the Fishguard event.

The sessions were designed to provide inclusive sporting opportunities for young people with additional learning needs, with a focus on participation, enjoyment and building confidence.

Throughout the events, children were encouraged to learn new skills, make friends and experience different activities in a fun and supportive setting.

Organisers said the events were made possible thanks to the support of dedicated coaches, whose enthusiasm and encouragement helped ensure every child felt welcome and able to take part.

Thanks have also been extended to JK Lewis & Son of Crymych for sponsoring bottled water for both events, and to Valero for its valued support.

Elgan Vittle, of Sport Pembrokeshire, said: “Days like these demonstrate the power of sport to break down barriers and create positive experiences for all young people.

“The energy, excitement and enjoyment shown by every participant made the events truly memorable.

“It was fantastic to see so many children from across Pembrokeshire trying new activities, building confidence and having fun.

“We are extremely grateful to the coaches, volunteers and sponsors whose support helped make these opportunities possible.”

Caption: Stephen Thornton, of sponsors Valero, is pictured with coaches and young people at one of the ALN multisport events.

Milford Haven teacher gives evidence as trial of 15-year-old continues at Swansea Crown Court

A TEACHER allegedly stabbed at Milford Haven Comprehensive School has told a jury there were no problems between her and the accused pupil in the hours before the attack.

Vicki Williams, giving evidence at Swansea Crown Court on Tuesday, said she had taught the 15-year-old defendant during a history lesson earlier on February 5, 2026, and had no concerns about his behaviour.

The teenager, who cannot be identified because of his age, denies attempted murder, inflicting grievous bodily harm with intent and unlawful wounding. He has admitted possessing a bladed article.

Mrs Williams told the court she taught the defendant between 9.25am and 10.30am on the day of the incident.

Asked about her relationship with the pupil, she said there had been no issues during the lesson and that, from her perspective, they had always got on well.

The court heard that after the school day ended at around 3.10pm, the defendant approached Mrs Williams while she was working in a classroom.

Mrs Williams told jurors that he stood beside her and engaged her in conversation while searching through his school bag.

She said she believed he was looking for something and continued talking to him as he rifled through the bag.

The jury heard that moments later she saw him remove an object before she was knocked backwards into a chair.

Looking up, she said she saw a knife in his hand.

Mrs Williams told the court she suffered a stab wound to the head during the incident.

She said she later injured her hand while attempting to grab the knife in an effort to stop herself being stabbed again.

The teacher received treatment in hospital following the incident.

The court also heard that an unrelated incident had occurred earlier in the day when a lower pane of glass in a classroom door was broken while Mrs Williams was teaching another class.

The prosecution alleges the defendant carried out a planned attack on the teacher. The defence denies the allegations.

The trial before Judge Paul Thomas KC is expected to continue for several weeks.

The Pembrokeshire Herald will continue to report from Swansea Crown Court as further evidence is heard.