A MUSICAL director with a career spanning almost 50 years has been recognised in the Queen's Birthday Honours.

Marian Harris, from Milford Haven, will be awarded a British Empire Medal (BEM) for her work with the town's operatic society.

The 72-year-old said: "I can’t believe it, it's just such an honour.

"It's not something you expect, I'm just an ordinary person.

"It was a big shock, I had to read the letter three or four times!

"My family is over the moon, they’re calling me 'Bem' at the moment, it’s a bit of a joke."

A pianist by training, Marian joined Milford Haven amateur operatic society in 1979, and took over as musical director two years later, leading the cast for a performance of Orpheus.

"It has been a long time, but it doesn’t feel it," said Marian.

"If someone had said to me 40 years ago that I would still be doing this I'd have said 'no way'.

“When I first started I used to go to bed and think 'have I done enough preparation?'

"I would wake up in middle of night worrying.

"You get used to it, but every show you do is a challenge in some way or another, and you learn something new every time.

"I always think I could have done something differently, but I think that's important."

Marian hopes the award will highlight the incredible efforts of the society, which has performed works from Oliver and Oklahoma to Titanic and Gentlemen Prefer Blondes over its 67 years.

Said Marian: "I'm so proud for what they’ve achieved over the years; it's because of them, past members and some who are no sadly longer with us, that this has happened - because of the support they have given me."

She said the society was an important local resource to foster talent, and help performers grow.

"Some people couldn't sing happy birthday on their own when they start, but it’s surprising how people gain in confidence," she said.

"Seeing that potential and supporting it is so satisfying."

Marian, who still works as a piano teacher, is also always keen to involve musicians from Milford Haven School in proceedings.

"It keeps the society going," she said.

"Some of us are getting older and we can’t keep going forever, so we need that new blood."

Marian will receive her BEM from the Lord Lieutenant of Dyfed in the near future.

"I've no idea when and where though, a lot of mystery remains," she said.

"When I had the letter last month I was given strict instructions not to tell anyone.

"It's been very hard to keep it all a secret!"