A SARNAU teenager won the ‘Unsung Hero’ prize at the BBC Cymru Sports Personality of the Year awards this week.

Tirion Tomas moved to the village, located near Bala, from her father’s hometown of Manchester some eight years ago and has been involved with Bala Rugby Club for a number of years by now.

During her time as a coach for the girls team over the last three years, the 19-year-old has helped increase participation in girls rugby in the town and helped set up a coaching network of 10 people too.

She has helped develop under 13’s, under 15’s and under 18’s girls sides at Bala Rugby Club, whilst also carrying out sessions for younger girls during the summer.

Tirion’s role as a national young ambassador and college active ambassador has helped her achieve this and earned her some deserved recognition for the work she has done within the Bala community and beyond.

On Sunday, she was awarded the ‘Arwr Tawel’ (Unsung Hero) accolade handed over to her in person by former Wales women’s rugby international Rachel Taylor.

She was nominated for the prize by a number of voluntary organisations she has been involved with during her years living in North Wales.

Speaking to the Denbighshire Free Press after winning the ‘Arwr Tawel’ award, Tirion said: “I am absolutely over the moon, being nominated initially was a real privilege but being titled the Welsh BBC Sports Personality Unsung Hero was unbelievable.

“Although I didn’t need or expect this award - and coaching and volunteering is something I enjoy and thrive off - it just makes it that little bit more worth it and allows me to recognise myself that what I do is working and is also having that positive effect on others.

“One thing I will say is that even though Ive recived this award it will not change who I am or what I do within my community and the sporting world in general. I am truly grateful.”