Ceredigion County Council has scooped a UK award for its work on welcoming refugees to the county.

The authority walked away with the Local Authority Award in the Community Sponsorship Awards held last week in London.

The award was accepted by the council’s leader, Cllr Ellen ap Gwynn, and Cathryn Morgan, the council’s Families First and refugees co-ordinator.

Ceredigion was one of five UK local authorities to be nominated for the award, given to local authorities for working with community groups who help families fleeing from war, hunger and homelessness.

Cllr ap Gwynn said: “I am delighted that we have been successful in winning a UK-wide award.

“The greatest reward is knowing that we have helped Ceredigion communities to offer safety and friendship in West Wales to Syrian refugees escaping the horrors of civil war.

“While I am honoured that our contribution has been recognised, we would not have won the award if it wasn’t for the dedicated communities in Aberystwyth and Cardigan.

“Aberaid and CroesoTeifi can also share our success.”

Tim Finch, director of Sponsor Refugees, the Citizens Foundation for Community Sponsorship, which organised the awards, said: “Community Sponsorship relies on thousands of quiet heroes from all walks of life. The inspiring winners from this year’s award shows that the proud British tradition of welcoming refugees is alive and well.

“Local authorities are playing a vital role and we would like to recognise and thank Ceredigion council and other local authorities playing a vital role supporting local communities to change the lives of refugee families.”

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