A retired teacher has been honoured after volunteering over 400 hours of work to the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB).
Machen resident Gail Jones won the Green Category at the Wales Council for Voluntary Action awards for her work at the RSPB Newport Wetlands Visitor Centre.
The 64-year-old has volunteered more than 3,000 hours of her time at the centre since 2009, teaching visitors about wildlife at the nature reserve.
Gail received the award last month from Caerphilly AM Jeff Cuthbert.
She said: “I have been very humbled by the award and to stand alongside so many worthwhile winners
“I enjoy all my volunteering days, working with such enthusiastic and knowledgeable people. It keeps me feeling purposeful and active.”
RSPB Cymru Volunteer Development Officer, Emma Roberts, said: “Gail, on average, provides 15 to 20 hours per week, demonstrating the benefits of the natural environment to local schools and local families.
“Gail uses her passion and enthusiasm to educate and inspire our next generation.”