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Volunteer heroes from across Caerphilly County Borough have been celebrated for their efforts at keeping their communities alive.

This year’s annual Gwent Association of Voluntary Organisations (GAVO) Awards were held at Blackwood Miners’ Institute on Wednesday September 20.

Ten different awards were presented to well-deserving volunteers with runners-up receiving certificates.

The first winner of the night was Ben James in the Young Volunteer category. Ben couldn’t make the evening, but his work with the wild horses of Gelligaer Common was commended.

The second award was the Parent and Child Award which was won by Jennifer Jones. Ms Jones works with children of all ages across Caerphilly volunteering with a number of groups. She spoke to Caerphilly Observer about how she felt to be recognised: “I’m very emotional honestly. I didn’t even expect to be nominated.

“It’s a very rewarding thing to do. I love how I know everyone and watch the children develop. It’s a very special evening for me.”

Mostyn Davies, who was thanked for his “tireless work” with Citizens Advice in Caerphilly and Blaenau Gwent, was handed the Trustee of the Year Award.

The Community Inclusion award went to Nicola Sharlot, who volunteers for a host of community groups in Caerphilly, including the Veteran’s Hub – which meets every Saturday between 10am and 12pm at Ystrad Mynach’s Centre for Sporting Excellence.

The High Sheriff’s Award, chosen and presented by Simon Gibson, the current High Sheriff of Gwent, was won by Cheryl Smith.

Ms Smith volunteers at the Caerphilly Parent Network. She said: “I had no idea I was the only person nominated. I’m crying right now because to be recognised by the people around me is wonderful.

“I refuse to get a traditional job because of the joy this brings me. I’m so pleased to be surrounded by so many great people too.”

Following on from the High Sheriff award was the Mayor’s Civic Award, presented by Caerphilly County Borough Mayor Mike Adams.

The winner was Mark Gibbings from Mountain Rescue England and Wales. Mr Gibbings trains and handles rescue dogs from all over the UK, and has been responsible for saving many lives.

Meanwhile, the Welsh Culture and Heritage award was won by Caerphilly Miners’ Centre for its warm hub scheme, which welcomes around 50 people a week and provides a safe space as well as advice on a range of issues.

The centre’s founder is Katherine Hughes, who helped save the original Beeches building of the former Miners’ District Hospital from demolition.

She told Caerphilly Observer: “We’re thrilled. I nominated the other volunteers who help run the hub, which has really taken-off.

“It’s a very friendly environment which can be completely anonymous. We fill every bench and there’s a real buzz to the place.”

The Sport volunteer award, which was sponsored by Caerphilly Observer, was won by Rhys Griffiths, who coaches trampoline classes at Caerphilly Dragonflies.

Mr Griffiths has selective mutism as a result of anxiety – which made life growing-up difficult.

After discovering trampolining aged nine, Mr Griffiths described how it had helped him “come out of his shell”. Since the age of 16 he has been a coach at the club, which is based at Caerphilly Leisure Centre.

Now aged 20, Mr Griffiths said: “I had no idea what I’d been given an award for but I’m very grateful. My coach helped me a lot and I hope to be able to change the lives of others.”

The Welsh Culture and Heritage award was collected on behalf of Angela Joignant.

James Morgan from the Toybox Project won the Environmental Award. Mr Morgan has helped more than 3,000 children receive donated toys since setting up the scheme two years ago.

Through doing this, Mr Morgan has prevented more than 900kg of plastic entering landfill.

Finally, the Inspirational Award was collected on behalf of David Morris.

On the event, Blackwood councillor Andrew Farina-Childs said: It’s fantastic to be here and see what all of these wonderful people do.

“I’m honoured to present an award and celebrate with them.”

Cllr Sean Morgan, leader of Caerphilly County Borough Council, added: “The awards are a celebration of the endless spirit, enthusiasm and dedication of our thriving voluntary sector and I am delighted and honoured to be a part of it.

“Volunteers are an inspiration to us all as they play such a vital role in our society. Award ceremonies like this allow us to do our little bit to recognise the positive contribution they make to so many people’s lives.”