A BALA-BASED group of volunteers were amongst others to be presented with an award from the former High Sheriff of Gwynedd.

The original awards evening, due to have been held at Bangor University, had to be cancelled at the last moment due to the pandemic.

Recent easing of restrictions meant that the awards could finally be presented to projects, groups and individuals in front of a small invited audience who were in attendance in Menai Bridge, Anglesey.

Former High Sheriff, Susan Jones, was joined by Under-Sheriff, Gwilym Owen, members of the Gwynedd Crimebeat committee, and Police and Crime Commissioner for North Wales, Andy Dunbobbin.

Amongst those to receive recognition for their efforts on the night were Bala's Blooming Generations.

The Crimebeat project was first developed by Alaw Paul of Gwynedd Youth Services following a conversation with PCSO Lona Davenport.

Its aim is to prevent anti-social behaviour in the area and focus on stimulating an interest in voluntary work with young people.

Alaw and her team worked with a group of around 15 young people to volunteer and take part in the project to learn about gardening and wildlife skills, and to create a safe place for the community.

The group created plant pots to bring colour to their community garden, and PCSO Davenport worked alongside them to encourage pride in their work and be good responsible young people in the community.

During the evening the High Sheriff 2019/20 Susan Jones was delighted to be able to present awards to volunteers she met during her year in office and thanked them for the selfless volunteering they each undertake in their communities.

She said: “I was delighted to be able to host this informal awards evening and finally have the opportunity to recognise projects and inspirational people that I met during my time as High Sheriff.

“Although my year in office came to end at the beginning of the pandemic these awards have enabled me to ensure my year as High Sheriff has concluded by recognising people who do so much valuable work in our communities”.

For the full list of winners, visit: www.northwales.police.uk/news/north-wales/news/news/2021/september/high-sheriff-of-gwynedd-awards-2020/