Two selfless local Lockdown Heroes have been chosen, out of dozens of wonderful nominations, to win prizes worth £800 courtesy of Aber Gas.

The first winner of the competition launched in last month’s Life in Lockdown supplement in the Cambrian News is Anwen Evans, of Blaenplwyf.

Anwen was nominated by her sister Ffion for “always putting others first before herself”, and received a second nomination from Ogwen Evans.

Sister Ffion said: “During lockdown she has done many things for family, friends, charities and the local community of Blaenplwyf.

“In May she did a Facebook live head shave raising money for the charity HAHAV raising a fab £1,075. Donations had slowed due to the pandemic so she took it upon herself to raise some much needed funds!

“In the village shop she held a cake sale in November again raising much needed funds for Royal British Legion raising £335.

“At the start of the pandemic she rallied a team together to help out in village shop to keep it open as volunteer-led community shop - volunteers were all shielding, so more were required.

“She brought cheer to the village by creating themed window displays - Remembrance Sunday, Christmas, St David’s Day and recently Mother’s Day.

“She ensured all village residents had a contact number for anything they needed whilst shielding.

“She has also been doing prescription and shopping collection for community and family members

“She continues to volunteer and help in the shop in Blaenplwyf, providing a valuable resource to many in the area.

“She has also been litter picking on the A487 in and around Blaenplwyf. Amazingly, doing all of this whilst working full time.

“She has been amazing and we believe she deserves to win a fabulous prize. She puts others first before herself.”

And our second winner is Craig James, of Llanrhystud, who was nominated by his partner Hanna.

Hanna said: “Craig has worked so hard during the whole of Covid as part of the Bronglais domestic supervisor team. He has switched to permanent nights, and worked many additional hours; trained loads of new Covid staff.

“He worked hard to protect me as we have had to live apart as I am extremely vulnerable as a transplant patient and shielding.

“He has also helped various neighbours with food deliveries and fixing things for them as and when needed. He also helped friends who have had difficulty finding homes in lockdown.

“I am so proud of him and all his hard work, he’s missed out on lots of things this last year, and he’s a real lockdown hero to me.”

Cambrian News editor Natalie Lawson said: “Well done to both our worthy winners, the standard of entries was amazing - it was inspiring to hear of so many people going above and beyond to help others.”

• Our two wonderful winners will each receive a household

appliance worth £400, kindly donated by Aber Gas & Electrical Appliances, of Cambrian Street, Aberystwyth.

They can take their pick from a Beko or Blomberg cooker, washing machine or fridge freezer.

Thanks go to AGEA for their generosity to our local Lockdown Heroes.