AN Abertillery-born engineer who’s in charge of a £14.8bn rail project to ease congestion times in London has been given a knighthood.

Crossrail chairman Sir Terry Morgan has been recognised in the Queen’s birthday honours for services to UK infrastructure, skills and employment.

Sir Terry, who worked in the Lucas Girling factory in Cwmbran as an apprentice in 1965, was appointed as Crossrail’s chairman in 2009 and has been overseeing Europe’s largest construction project ever since.

With 26 miles of new tunnels being built below London, he aims to dramatically improve journey times across the city with new 200-metre long trains.

Paying tribute, the secretary of state for transport, Rt Hon Patrick McLoughlin MP, said: “By placing engineering skills development at the heart of Crossrail, he has shown that delivering huge infrastructure projects on time and on budget and investing in skills go hand in hand.

“As a former apprentice himself, Sir Terry has inspired a new generation of apprentices and encouraged more women and young people into this vital sector, whatever their background and aspirations.

“He has been both a leader to his peers across industry and a relentless champion for vocational skills. This honour is a well-deserved recognition for many years of hard work.”

The mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, added: “My congratulations go to Terry Morgan on an honour that is well deserved for his important work championing apprenticeships and his outstanding leadership of the delivery of Crossrail.”

Mike Brown MVO, London's transport commissioner said: "Sir Terry has played an immense role in championing hundreds of apprentices and spearheading a skills legacy that will benefit people across the country, and as Crossrail chairman he has driven forward a huge project that will revolutionise travel in and around London."

As well as being named chair of the HS2 college governing body last year, Sir Terry was also appointed by the UK government to lead the development of a transport infrastructure skills strategy.

A fashion entrepreneur originally from Newport was also awarded a BEM by the Queen for his services to ethical fashion.

Aaron Jones, a former pupil at Bassaleg Comprehensive School, founded Fikay Fashion while studying at Essex University in 2012.

The ethical fashion brand provides educational support to developing countries where the clothes are manufactured.