A youth worker who has given many years of service to the people of Senghenydd and the Aber Valley has been honoured with a surprise award.
Dave Brunton, Manager of Senghenydd Youth Drop-in Centre (SYDIC), was recently given the award, recognising his service to youth and the community, by the High Sheriff of Gwent, Andrew Tuggey at an impromptu ceremony at the centre itself.
Nicola Johns, Chairperson of SYDIC, said: “SYDIC’s young people, staff, and directors were extremely proud to see the centre’s manager Dave Brunton presented with an award for ‘services to the Senghenydd/Aber Valley community’ from the High Sheriff of Gwent.
“Although titled as Centre Manager, Dave has proven over the years that no job is too big or too small for him and he can often be found at the centre during evening youth club, talking and planning with the young members.
“He’s been instrumental in helping the community to find its voice and gain the confidence to use it.
“Dave is central to the projects long-term sustainability and development and this award highlights the importance of his role and the high standards he and us as a project delivers.”
Caerphilly MP Wayne David was also present at the ceremony and offered his congratulations to Mr Brunon and said the award was “thoroughly well-deserved”.
SYDIC is a Communities First hub, and is hoping to build a wind turbine on Senghenydd Mountain, near Graig-yr-Hufen Farm.
The centre has suffered from recent cuts to its funding and money raised by the sale of electricity generated by the wind turbine will go towards funding its core activities.