THE core team of volunteers behind a junior running event for children and young people in Torfaen has received a civic award from the mayor.

Cllr Giles Davies visited Pontypool Park on Sunday morning as the children were gearing up to take part in the junior parkrun.

The 2k event, which operates on a shortened version of the senior run, takes place every Sunday at 9am, for children aged four to 14.

The core team were nominated for the award by Coed Eva ward councillor Fiona Cross, who helped to bring the free running event to borough with the Pontypool and soon-to-launch Cwmbran editions.

She said: "I always planned on putting the junior core team forward for a civic award and I'm grateful the Mayor agreed.

“They are so enthusiastic and provide such a fantastic activity for our young people. Torfaen Council has been hugely supportive of parkrun. This is just what the parkrun community needs to see after the disappointing decision at Little Stoke parkrun.”

Set in Pontypool Park, the event, which launched in 2014, offers more than just an opportunity for young people to maintain their fitness, according to cllr Cross.

“It's so much more than just a run around the park. People are active, fitter, volunteering, striving to improve their personal best and socialising,” she said.

“We need to support initiatives such as this while obesity and depression becomes more prevalent.”

The councillor expressed her thanks to the event director, Iestyn Rhodes, for setting up and leading the event, and also to Torfaen Sports Development for providing the funding for its creation.

Mr Rhodes said: "After attending Newport junior parkrun with my family, my wife, Kirsty Rhodes, and I quickly realised that we should start an event in Pontypool.”

The Mayor of Torfaen, cllr Giles Davies, participated in the warm up with the athletes, but was unable to take part in the run itself.

He said: “It was delightful to attend Pontypool junior parkrun and present civic testimonials to their core team of volunteers.

“It's clear to me that parkrun is providing more than just a running event. It was great to see people volunteering for their community, cheering and socialising.

“Most impressive were the children who dashed around the course at great speed,” he added.

“I congratulate the core team and volunteers. This is clearly a well-deserved nomination and they should be proud of what they have achieved here.”