A DENBIGHSHIRE organisation that helps people struggling with loneliness or poor self-confidence to make new friends and improve their life skills has celebrated its annual awards ceremony.

Cynnig held its eighth Activity Celebration at Theatre Twm O’r Nant, Denbigh to showcase the achievements of its members in 2018.

The not-for-profit organisation, which helps adults with complex needs such as learning disabilities or mental health difficulties, organises trips such as walks and day trips, story writing, cookery, arts and crafts, computing, music and drama, fishing and metal detecting aimed at improving physical and mental wellbeing.

The awards ceremony was well attended by family friends and colleagues, as well as Denbighshire County Council chairman Cllr Peter Scott and the mayor of Denbigh, Cllr Catherine Jones who heard about the achievements and hardwork of individuals across the county.

Amongst the winners were John Wood, from St Asaph, for Artist of the Year, while an achievement award was also presented to Geraint Davies, from Trefnant, near St Asaph for a 100 per cent attendance record on the Cynnig walks in which he covered 16 miles over the year.

Male Achiever of the Year award was Stuart Nield Siddall, from Rhyl, who was nominated by his brother Duncan after overcoming various difficult challenges to successfully live independently and immerse himself into a variety of positive opportunities.

Female Achiever of the Year was Hillary Ratcliffe, from Denbigh, for showing outstanding resilience and independence after taking the skills she has learned at Cynnig to improve her life.

A Cynnig spokesperson said: “At Cynnig, we believe it is important to recognise and celebrate the importance of our participant’s achievements. This not only encourages participants but shows them that their achievements have been noticed and rewarded.

“Participants gain greater levels of confidence and independence and are able to interact more fully in their local community."