AN INAUGURAL ceremony to recognise and celebrate members of communities in Blaenau Gwent has been held.

Around 80 people attended the Community Champions Awards Evening, held recently by Abertillery and Llanhilleth Community Council, at the Llanhilleth Miners Institute.

The council asked residents to nominate their champions from local groups, businesses and schools.

More than 100 nominees were put forward for 23 prizes, which included awards for community spirit, youth engagement and health and wellbeing in the community.

Council chairman Ivor Beynon described it as a good opportunity to reward community champions in the area, adding that so many people go unrecognised. He added: “It was a fantastic night, it’s the first time we’ve held an event like this,” he added. “We’ve had so much interest.

“I think it’s important to make sure that people in our community know that they are recognised for what they do, whether they’re cleaners or shop workers, everyone is appreciate in this town.”