VOLUNTEERS from across Gwent face a nervous wait as judges decide the winners of Newport's First Annual Volunteer Awards.

The event, which takes place on October 19, recognises and celebrates the achievements of those in the community who regularly give up their time and skills to help others.

The ceremony has been organised by the Gwent Association of Voluntary Organisations (GAVO) in order to acknowledge the dedication and commitment of Newport's volunteers and is the first of its kind in the region.

A total of nine awards will be presented on the night, including the Young Volunteer Award and the Environmental Award. The ceremony itself will take place in the Newport Centre, Kingsway, Newport.

Jane Shatford, Senior Community Development Officer for GAVO said: "These events have been running for some time now in Caerphilly and Monmouthshire and there has been nothing really in Newport.

"We wanted to join together to celebrate volunteers here in Newport. This will be Newport thanking them," she added.

Organisers are hoping the event will encourage more people to get involved in all aspects of volunteering, from the hands on work to the financing of various volunteering organisations and projects.