THE work of volunteers from across Torfaen was celebrated at the first Torfaen Community and Volunteer Awards ceremony.

The ceremony, organised by Torfaen Voluntary Alliance, saw more than 170 people coming together at Pontypool Active Living Centre on Saturday, October 2.

Lord Lieutenant of Gwent Brigadier Robert Aitken CBE opened the evening.

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“Every one of your approaches is wholly altruistic,” he said, addressing the nominees, adding that each person in the room was deserving of recognition.

Among the winners was 11-year-old Bryony Powell, who won the Young Volunteer of the Year award after helping to provide 150 wellbeing packs to vulnerable families in Blaenavon during lockdown.

And Janette Smith, aged 82, won the Adult Volunteer of the Year award. Ms Smith has dedicated more than 15 years of her life to improve the lives of others from the local area, and has been a key member of Hafod Community group and at Thornhill Community Centre.

More than 100 nominations were put forward for the awards, across 10 categories.

The winners were:

  • Daniel Crandon (High Street Fitness) - Trustee of the Year
  • Volunteer Caseworkers of Disability Advice Project - The Heart of the Community Award
  • Chris Partridge (Henllys Local Nature Reserve) - Environmental Volunteer of the Year
  • Chloe Goddard - Personal Journey
  • Sabrina Cresswell (Tasty not Wasty CIC) - Covid-19 Response Volunteer
  • Age Connects Torfaen - Business of the Year
  • Matt Cummins (Torfaen Tigers Rugby League club) - Sports Volunteer of the Year
  • Allan Hiatt - Health Volunteer of the Year
  • Bryony Powell (World Heritage Youth Ambassadors) - Young Volunteer of the Year
  • Janette Smith (Thornhill Community Centre ) - Adult Volunteer of the Year

The night was hosted by Welsh sports broadcaster Sean Holley, and TVA’s Patrick Downes.

TVA’s operational executive officer Aimi Morris said: “The night was a way of saying a big thank you to all our finalists, not forgetting all those who were nominated – everyone is a worthy winner.

“Whether it was helping provide for the homeless, making sure the youth in Torfaen have proper mentors, volunteering in schools, or keeping arts and our history alive in our communities, they have all made a huge difference.

“We can’t wait to start planning 2022.”

Councillor Fiona Cross, Torfaen council’s executive member for children, families and communities, said: “It was a pleasure to be in attendance at the first of its kind volunteer awards ceremony in Torfaen.

“There were so many heart-warming stories showing how individuals and groups had gone above and beyond during the pandemic to help others.

“A huge congratulations to all those recognised for an award and lets all look forward to a brighter 2022.

“Well done to TVA and all the partners involved who made this event a fantastic celebration of volunteering in Torfaen.”