A presentation ceremony to recognise the hard work, commitment and achievements of 22 people with learning disabilities has been held at Gwesty Seren in Llan Ffestinog.

On Thursday, 1 August, the students were recognised for their completion of a variety of accredited courses held at the Seren sites in Blaenau and Llan Ffestiniog between September and May.

The project was a joint effort between Coleg Meirion-Dwyfor and Seren, a Blaenau Ffestiniog-based social enterprise that supports people with learning disabilities to live, work, socialise and take part in leisure activities within their community.

Funding support was provided for the project by the Big Lottery’s Awards for All fund, which extended the availability to more people than otherwise would have been the case.

Available courses included cooking, gardening, arts and crafts, health and beauty, and literacy.

These are all accredited and recognised national qualifications, and are the first courses and qualifications of their kind to be delivered within the community in Wales. Krystle Madoc-Jones, chief executive of Seren, said: “We have really appreciated the co-operation and support we have had from the college to organise and deliver this innovative project.

“We know that all 22 people have really enjoyed their participation and their achievements.

“We now look forward to starting another round of courses in September and warmly invite anybody who is interested to contact us.”

Certificates were presented to participants by Mici Plwm, a Welsh actor, TV and radio personality commended for his work for and on behalf of the disabled.