VOLUNTEERS from across Torfaen were recognised for their work in the community at a ceremony in Cwmbran.

More than 200 people attended the Torfaen Community and Volunteer Awards at the Parkway Hotel and Spa on Friday, October 21.

The awards recognise those who do good across the voluntary sector, business, and the local community.

Earlier this year, nominations were opened to allow local people to nominate in the twelve categories. These nominations then went to an impartial seven-person panel made up of different people from different organisations across Torfaen.

Free Press Series: Steve Malson and Craig Lear were named the Heart of the Community Award winners.Steve Malson and Craig Lear were named the Heart of the Community Award winners. (Image: TVA)

Steve Malson and Craig Lear were named the Heart of the Community Award winners, Vicki Randall won the Adult Volunteer Award and Morgan Fish scooped the Young Volunteer Award.

The night was hosted by Smooth Radio’s Jason Harrold, and guests included Lord Lieutenant of Gwent Brigadier Robert Aitken CBE.

Aimi Morris, operational executive officer at Torfaen Voluntary Alliance, said: “The awards successfully recognised and celebrated the amazing contribution volunteers continue to provide our local communities on a daily basis.

“It was brilliant to see so many new and familiar faces at the glitzy event itself and we look forward to returning for the 2023 awards.

“If you know of someone who deserves to be acknowledged on stage like this year’s winners, please keep them in mind for when nominations open in June 2023.

“A big thank you all our sponsors and staff as well as Coleg Gwent students Charlotte Pitt and Alfie Burton who developed tonight’s programme, Claire McCarthy and Cheyenne Lewis who showcased their extraordinary skills in Photography & Videography, and finally Evan Sellick, Millie Mulligan and Lily Bigham for assisting with the social media content. We couldn’t have done it without all the support we kindly received.”

Free Press Series: Vicki Randall being presented with the Adult Volunteer Award.Vicki Randall being presented with the Adult Volunteer Award. (Image: TVA)

The full list of winners were:

  • Arts, Culture and Heritage (sponsored by Blaenavon Forgings Ltd) is Evan Smith Blaenavon Town Band;
  • Health Volunteer (sponsored by Carlisle Brakes) is Akin Agbaje and Patrick Smith;
  • Sports Volunteer/Group (sponsored by Uddr - The local app) is Steve Malson and Jamie Leonard;
  • Young Volunteer (sponsored by Pro Steel Engineering Limited) is Morgan Fish;
  • Business of the Year (sponsored by Coleg Gwent) is High Street Fitness;
  • Community Leader (sponsored by Mental Health First Aid Wales) is Leanne Morgan;
  • Children and Youth Group (sponsored by Bron Afon Community Housing) is Girl Guiding – Eastern Valley Division;
  • Adult Volunteer (sponsored by Gwent Police and Crime Commissioner) is Vicki Randall;
  • Civic Award (sponsored by High Street Fitness) is Stuart Evans;
  • Trustee of the Year (sponsored by Pontypool Community Council) is Tracey Blockwell;
  • Environmental Award (sponsored by Melin Homes) is Cwmbran South Allotment Association;
  • Heart of the Community (sponsored by Torfaen Voluntary Alliance) is Steve Malson and Craig Lear.

Community groups, organisations, sports clubs or community venues based in Torfaen, can visit tvawales.org.uk for help with supporting volunteers, governance, funding and online support.