A TEENAGER from Cwmbran has been named as the 2017 volunteer of the year at the annual Torfaen Play Service award ceremony.

Allanah McAnsh, 18, received the award having volunteered with the service for more than three years and helping a range of children and young people with complex and challenging needs.

Miss McAnsh was one of a number of award recipients at the ceremony held at Mount Pleasant Hall, Pontnewydd, including volunteers from the Torfaen Opportunity Group (TOGS), the Blaenavon heritage volunteers and other groups.

Cllr Mandy Owen, the executive member for children and young people, said “I would like to congratulate all the volunteers that have attended the awards ceremony this evening and thank them for ensuring that all children across Torfaen have a platform from which they can express themselves, learn, make new friends and play.

“A special mention goes out to Allanah, who has done exceptionally well, volunteering her time for the past three years and has gone above and beyond her voluntary role, showing commitment and dedication to respite sessions and after school clubs.”

The ceremony was opened by the leader of the council, Cllr Anthony Hunt and festive entertainment was provided by two talented young people from TOGS who performed individual performances.

Cllr Jessica Powell, the Mayor of Torfaen, went on to present awards to term time play volunteers, summer volunteers and play helpers.

Community volunteers awards were also presented to volunteers from TOGS, Torfaen Youth Service and the Blaenavon Heritage Project.

The Torfaen Play Service is fortunate to support more than 200 volunteers each year who help the development of community play provision and inclusive play provision across the borough.

The Play Service would like to thank all volunteers for the help, support and dedication they have provided throughout the year.

For more information on volunteering and community play provision please contact the Play Team on 01495 742952.