IT was a night when some of Gwent's top achievers had the chance to shine. More than 70 award winners from infant school pupils to adult education successes were invited to County Hall in Cwmbran for Torfaen council's fifth Civic Celebration of Achievements night.

Carriad Lewis, ten, from Price Close, Trevethin, Pontypool, was awarded for outstanding commitment to her school, Penygarn Junior School, for organising a number of charity events, including being involved in the Blue Peter appeal and for being a prop forward in her school rugby team.

She even had a chance to swap tips on the mysteries of the front row with a special guest, Newport and South Africa rugby star Adrian Garvey. Presenting Carriad with her award, he said: "You are far too good looking to be playing rugby."

The night's other special guest, Peter Clarke, Children's Commissioner for Wales, met Nathan Jenkins, eight, from Capel Newydd, Blaenavon, who suffers from cerebral palsy and was awarded for his determination to succeed in school at Hillside Primary School. His mother, Claire, 26, said: "I am so proud of him.

"Although he has suffered from cerebral palsy since he was 14 months old, he is so determined and has lessons with all the other children in school."

Originally from war-torn Kosovo, Agim Malaj, aged 17, who lives in Newport's Caerleon Road, won an award for his excellence in woodwork.

Agim, who has been in Wales for the past one-and-a-half years, is a refugee in this country with his brother Pashk, aged 14. He has a work placement with Torfaen Training. Agim said: "This is a very special night for me and I would just like to thank all the people in Wales for their great kindness to me."

The Argus reported on Wednesday how Tracy Webb, 17, was honoured for being back in school just weeks after undergoing major surgery.

Peter Clarke said: "In view of the recent negative press that young people have been receiving, it's good to be part of a wonderful evening with a chance to see so many smiling faces who are proud of their exceptional achievements."

*PICTURED: Entertainer Lee James is shown with Kosovo refugee Agim Malaj who has settled in Newport.