OUR Pride of Gwent Award winners were chosen from hundreds of nominations.

Among the most hotly contested categories was the Volunteer Award - with amazing deeds carried out by willing residents across the region on a daily basis.

But the Pride of Gwent Volunteer Award was won by Judith Jones from Cwmbran.

The 79-year-old great-grandmother helped establish Gwent Autistic Society, ran a theatre group that would put on charity productions and performances, and visit residential homes to entertain the elderly and sick, and chairs the Bassaleg and Rhiwderin Royal British Legion.

She said of the award: “I am very chuffed and very surprised that I won.

“A friend said I might see a surprise in the Argus, and when I got the phone call to say I’d won I was overjoyed.”

Ms Jones has given up her spare time to work on theatre projects throughout her life.

Talking about the group she formerly ran, she said: “Anyone could join the group and there was no membership fees.

“We would do charity champions and donations would put into an account and then we would do a big concert in the Congress Theatre. On most occasions we would get a full house.

“After theatre expenses everything else to the last penny went to charity we were supporting that year. We did a bit of good and we all enjoyed it.”

Ms Jones is now a member of another group that organises lunchtime concerts to raise money for the Congress Theatre.

She also occasionally organises concerts at the church she attends, while she has been involved with the Bassaleg and Rhiwderin Royal British Legion for 35 years.

She said: “I love it, and it’s such a worthy cause. I sell poppies in the Tesco on Cardiff Road in Newport.

“I love doing that and as long can get out the front door I will be selling poppies.

“You make a lot of friends and that’s important.”

Ms Jones will be honoured at a special event on Friday, at the Coldra Court Hotel by Celtic Manor. The overall Pride of Gwent Award winner will also be announced on the day.