A SOLDIER living with his family in Chepstow and a Newport airman won prestigious awards on Thursday night.

Paul Collis-Smith, the director of music for the Band of the Prince of Wales Division won the overall Armed Forces Award for his outstanding work in 2016.

Mr Collis-Smith, who lives near Devauden, said it was a complete shock, but was pleased to have won the award.

The 42-year-old said: “Well I didn’t expect it to be me that won the award, I wasn’t expecting it because it’s part of our daily routine really.

“I thought it was nice to be nominated and then I got to the ceremony and it was announced that I’d won and it was a shock, a nice one though.”

Having been in the army for 26 years, Mr Collis-Smith said that the award was not only for him, but the Band of the Prince of Wales Division as well.

“It’s nice to be recognised for what military bands do. We do more work than people think,” he said.

Also commended was Newport man Flight Sergeant Steve Perham of 614 (County of Glamorgan) Squadron, Royal Auxiliary Air Force. He was recognised for his work in employer engagement across South Wales.

FS Perham has worked with hundreds of workers throughout the region in developing their team-working and leadership skills at organisations like the DVLA and the ONS in Newport.

The awards ceremony took place at Cardiff City Stadium and 12 people from across Wales were nominated in the four award categories of Sports, Youth and Cadet, Covenant and the overall Armed Forces Award.

Special guests on the evening were Martyn Williams MBE, the former Wales and British and Irish Lions international rugby union player, Welsh Assembly Cabinet Secretary for Communities and Children, Carl Sergeant AM and Major General Richard Stanford MBE, General Officer Commanding Regional Command.

The overall Armed Forces Award recognises those throughout Wales who contribute to supporting the Armed Forces. This award is not confined to those serving in the Regular or Reserve Forces but can be from other areas of society.

Mr Collis-Smith was cited for his breadth of vision and for his ability to use music to break down actual or perceived barriers and promote greater understanding and unity where previously there has been hatred, mistrust and violence.

He has been instrumental in creating the Balkans All Stars Band, bringing together the previously warring nations of Kosovo, Serbia and Bosnia.

Closer to home he continues to work with youth organisations in Wales and was part of the driving force behind this year’s inaugural Military Festival of Music which took place in Cardiff Bay.

Brigadier Alan Richmond OBE, Commander 160th Infantry Brigade and Headquarters Wales and head of the Army in Wales, said: “This was a very special evening for us to recognise organisations and individuals for their very special achievements and was an evening of celebration.

“This is the third time we’ve held the ERS Awards and the second time we have honoured specific individuals for their achievements in the four specific categories.”