TWO Aberystwyth organisations have been recognised for their work in the community at a glittering awards ceremony in Cardiff presented by Jason Mohammad.

Set up to honour the hard work and inspirational achievements of the third sector in Wales, the annual WCVA — Wales Council for Voluntary Action — Third Sector Awards Cymru were presented at a ceremony in the Hilton Hotel Cardiff on Thursday, 4 February.

Penparcau Community Forum received an award for finishing runners-up in the main category, Most Admired Organisation, which was chosen by public vote and recognises organisations most respected for their inspirational work and the causes they represent.

Penparcau Community Forum, which was awarded a £490,000 grant by the Welsh Government before Christmas, was set up after Communities First left the village in 2013 with the aim of creating a vibrant inclusive community where people could feel safe and proud to live or work.

PCF co-ordinator Bryn Jones said: “Losing our Communities First office back in 2013 was both a blow and an unexpected blessing.

“Penparcau Community Forum came to the fore and, through focusing on improving the feel-good factor for all age groups and interests in the village, we have raised residents’ commitment and personal aspirations.

“We would like to publicly thank Cllr Mererid Jones of Aberystwyth Town Council for nominating us for the Most Admired Organisation and for her and the town council’s continued support.

“It was a great night for all concerned and especially in terms of gaining national recognition for all the hard work and success that the Forum have achieved since its inception.”

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