A NOT-for-profit that helps vulnerable adults to develop life skills through drama and cooking courses has awarded its high-achieving members.

Cynnig staged its annual Activities Awards at Twm o’r Nant, Denbigh for participants aged over 18 with learning and physical disabilities who have made significant progress over the last year.

The organisation, established in 1994 and based in Denbigh, is run by volunteer directors with 27 support workers who have helped more than 100 people via services for Denbighshire and Conwy Borough county councils and private clients.

Its work includes support work and activity courses such as creative writing, walking, arts and crafts, fishing and metal detecting.

The awardees included performer of the year was Mark Owen Hughes, from Ruthin, who despite having a physical disability had “amazing enthusiasm and determination” to produce a musical show titled ‘Music Through the Ages’.

Artist of the year Gavin Ellis, also from Ruthin, who had “showed outstanding concentration and dexterity” in needle felting to make Christmas baubles.

The winner of the female achiever of the year award was Julie Harris, from Rhyl, who has worked at charity shops helping on the shop floor, ironing clothes and organising donations.

The male achiever of the year was Neil Holland, who has “increased his self-confidence” following a family bereavement and now has a “greater awareness and skills needed to deal with life pressures”.

The cook of the year went to Graham Canning who learned how to cook healthy meals and maintain kitchen health and safety. Some of the dishes included homemade pizza and vegetable pasties.

Nathan Jones, Cynnig manager, said: “Another wonderful evening was enjoyed by so many of the Cynnig participants and their supporters.

“When we measure who deserves the award, we look at where they were before joining Cynnig and where they are now.

“Congratulations to everyone who has taken part in the activities; we know how you have all achieved in your own way and we wholeheartedly congratulate you.”

For more information about Cynnig visit the Facebook page.