ELIN Williams from Lampeter is the winner of the 2016 prestigious John and Ceridwen Award – an award given to an individual who has made a significant contribution to the life of young people in Wales.

She was informed during a surprise ‘hit’ organised by the Urdd and Avanti production company. Elin was under the impression that she was giving comedian Gary Slaymaker reciting lessons but in the middle of the lesson, presenter Heledd Cynwal walked in to let her know that she was the winner of the award.

Elin said, “I was taking the lesson with Gary Slaymaker seriously and it didn’t seem odd at the time that there was an audience there – it all made sense. But then when I saw Heledd Cynwal walk in, I started to worry what was going on and had such a shock when she said that I had won the John and Ceridwen Award.

“Some very deserving people have won the award in the past and it was so gratifying that I had been nominated by so many young people. I didn’t expect to be awarded in any way for the work I do – I do it because I enjoy every second. I like to think that we have a lot of fun and laughing is an integral part in everything I do.”

Elin has been coaching Lampeter’s Adran and Aelwyd (junior and senior Urdd youth groups) to recite for the last 16 years and they have many successes, as individuals and groups. She is also the vice-president of Lampeter’s Merched y Wawr and is the President of Bro’r Dderi Young Farmers, where she has also coached members to recite and perform.

The award is presented by Dewi and Gerallt Hughes in memory of their parents, John and Ceridwen, who were very involved in youth work.