A WOMAN who has dedicated more than a decade of her life towards raising £40,000 for causes in her community, was surprised by a TV crew at the Bala café she used to own – and presented with an award.

Janice Roberts, who has lived in Bala for 30 years, rolled up at Nicky's Café – which she had sold only a week earlier, having run it for 15 years – to be met by a group of 12 people, including the team from S4C's Wedi Saith (After Seven), led by the show's host, Alwyn Humphreys.

She was promptly presented with a bouquet of flowers and a special plate inscribed with the words Halen y Ddaear (salt of the earth)

Janice said: “I was not expecting to receive an award at all.

“My colleagues told me I had to wear a dress. I had no idea why but guessed it was because we were going out for a meal.

"It was such a shock to see people gathered around a camera crew when I arrived.”

Janice's good work had been brought to the attention of S4C by her friend, Gwyn Owen, whom she has helped through a difficult period over the years.

He said: “I contacted Alan Horren, editor for the show, who agreed that Janice was well deserving of the award.

“She always has a smile on her face and is really helpful. I don’t know how she has the time to do half the things she does.”

Over 10 years, Janice, 55, has raised £25,000 and £15,000 respectively for Bala's rugby and football clubs by organising a wide range of events – from screenings of the film The Full Monty to pantomime performances and X-Factor-style talent competitions.

She has also run Bala’s darts league and organised weekly meetings at her café, where she has been able offer support to people like Mr Owen.

She said: “It is really humbling to have received the award. I’m convinced there are others in the community that are more deserving.

“It is a great community. You only have to ask someone to do something once and they do it straight away.

"It makes fundraising easier as there is always plenty of help at hand.”

S4C has yet to announce a broadcasting date for Janice's appearance on Wedi Saith.

Meanwhile, the next fundraising event will be a film screening at Bala Cinema on June 1 where players from Bala Rugby Club will be giving a helping hand.

For more information on the event, contact Janice Roberts on 07977 371077.