A CHILDREN’S centre volunteer, hedgehog carer and LGBT champion are some of the Gwent volunteers who have been given leading awards.

The Wales Council for Voluntary Action held its annual Wales Volunteer of the Year Awards last Friday, June 10 at Cardiff Castle.

A total of 19 individuals and groups - including six from Gwent – received awards across six different categories which were presented by BBC journalist Siân Lloyd.

WCVA Chief Executive Ruth Marks said: “There is no doubt Wales is a better place thanks to these exceptional individuals who work so hard for the good of their communities and make a real difference.

“Many people rely on volunteers and many activities only take place because of the expertise, dedication and commitment of people who choose to volunteer.

“Recognising the work of volunteers - and saying thank you - are important steps in creating strong and vibrant Welsh communities.”

Sue Osman, 72, has spent her retirement helping families of children with disabilities at Newport’s Serennu children’s centre, which is run by the Sparkle Appeal.

Clinical psychologist at the Sparkle Appeal, Sarah Brown, said it was a privilege to work alongside Ms Osman, who is a former nurse and called her an inspiration.

One of the winners in the young people category was Imogen Peach-Mason, from Monmouth, who volunteers at Caerwent inclusive youth club, working with people with complex needs and even learning sign language and Makaton.

Other winners in the youth catergory were A-level student Ryan Anthony Crewe-Rees, 18, from Varteg, who is raising awareness of LGBT issues through workshops and meetings and Ayesha Khan, from Newport, who runs group activities for young disabled people.

The 20-year-old, who was bullied at school, also is an ambassador for Whizz Kidz which provides young people with wheelchairs and mobility equipment.

Other winners include Diane Mansell, from Caldicot, who was a winner in the green category for her work with Hedgehog Helpline and who cared for 100 hedgehogs over the course of one summer.

Blaenavon’s World Heritage Youth Ambassadors, a group of young people aged 13 to 21 who work to promote the town, were also honoured in the group category.