A SPECIAL needs gymnastics club and two inspirational young men have been recognised for their efforts by the High Sheriff of Dyfed.

High Sheriff of Dyfed Sue Balsom attended a ceremony at the Conrah Hotel near Aberystwyth on Saturday, March 24, also attended by HM Lord Lieutenant Sara Edwards.

Each year the High Sheriff award celebrates voluntary activities that enhance the lives of individuals and the wider community.

Among them was Pembrokeshire Special Needs Gymnasts, which has been running for 18 years.

Based at Milford Haven Leisure Centre , the group has 35 gymnasts whose ages range from 3 to 33.

The coaches are all volunteers and the club is funded by donations and fundraising.

High Sheriff’s citation: “The highlight for the club last year was travelling to Sheffield in August to take part in the Special Olympics for competitors with learning needs.

"Six children aged between 11 and 19 earned a place in the Welsh team and between them came back with 8 gold medals, 10 silver and 7 bronze.

"This was an amazing achievement for the group.”

As well as the special High Sheriff awards, the ceremony also saw the presentation of eleven High Sheriff Dyfed Young Persons Awards with grants to support army, navy and air cadet training plus St John Cymru and Duke of Edinburgh activities, as well as respite for young carers.

These included Jago Clarke from Milford Haven, an Able Cadet of the West Wales Sea Cadets who will undergo square rig training at sea on the ship T.S. Royalist.

Iestyn Nevatte from Pembroke Dock is an Explorer Scout whose award will help fund his trip to the 24th World Scout Jamboree in 2019 in West Virginia, USA.

The Bluestone Foundation was also presented with an award for its charitable works, which have included donations and support for the VC Gallery, Pembrokeshire Darwin Centre, PATCH, Action for Children, Fishguard Sea Cadets, Paul Sartori Foundation, the Tanyard project, and Pembrokeshire People First.

Congratulating the award winners, the High Sheriff said: “The Shrievalty of Dyfed wishes to record its gratitude to all of these very deserving organizations.

"However they are but the tip of an iceberg of the wonderful variety of voluntary work carried out in our communities.

"As public resources become increasingly scarce, the need for mutual support is ever more important.

"However voluntary work often goes far beyond what any statutory services can provide, not least supporting individuals emotionally and on a one-to-one basis.”

HM Lord Lieutenant Miss Sara Edwards added, “May I congratulate you all warmly and thank you for your hard work and ongoing commitment to so many a varied voluntary and charitable activities in Dyfed.”