The fourth ‘Pembrokeshire Spotlight Awards’ - celebrating children and young people who achieve exceptional things and make a real difference - were held recently.

The event, organised by Pembrokeshire Youth, the Children and Young People’s Rights Office and Children’s Services, was rescheduled after being postponed in November due to adverse weather.

The awards took place on February 6 at the Merlin Theatre, Pembrokeshire College.

Cllr Marc Tierney, the Local Authority’s Cabinet Member for Young People, Communities and the Wellbeing of Future Generations, praised the achievements of those recognised.

“It was a privilege to be part of the Spotlight Awards this year, hearing how our young people have triumphed within their own lives and within their communities,” he said.

“I want to say a huge thanks to the organisers for putting in so much effort to make sure this event was a success and a thank you to the sponsors without whom staging such a celebration would not be possible.”

Cllr Maureen Bowen, Chair of Pembrokeshire County Council, added: “The evening of the Spotlight Awards was a joy to attend as it highlighted the talent of Pembrokeshire's young people and gave hope for a bright future for the county in the hands of these wonderful youngsters.”

The ceremony opened with a video message from Wales’ First Minister Eluned Morgan, who offered her congratulations despite being unable to attend in person.

The event saw some amazing achievements noted and celebrated.

The winners in each category are as follows:

· Welsh Language: Emma Nicholas.

· Fundraising Award: Ben Stanton.

· Eco-Champion: Tomos Roberts.

· Achieving Positive Change: Alfie Harper.

· Arts: Dawn Clark.

· Education: Yuliia Bedyk and Andrii Volkov (joint winners).

· Making a Difference in the Community: Off The Streets Youth Forum.

· Most Inspiring Story: Kai Williams.

· Music: Dylan Harwood.

· Sports: Samantha Barton.

· Voice: Young Voices for Choices Youth Forum.

· Young Leader/Peer Mentor: Caiden Meacham.

This year’s top honour went to the We Know Our Journey Youth Project, a collaborative group formed by members of the You Should Know Girls Project and the His Path His Journey Boys Project.

The group was recognised for its work promoting inclusion, challenging harmful norms and encouraging open discussion around Violence Against Women, Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence (VAWDASV), as well as men’s mental health.

One of their major achievements was organising the countywide ‘Men Make It Safe’ event, which featured speakers from the DPJ Foundation, Nigel Owens MBE and Matt Brown of She Is Not Your Rehab.

The project also raised £1,600 for local mental health and domestic abuse charities through a sea swim and a 10k run involving 24 young participants.

Through their activism, leadership and commitment, the group has shown the powerful role young people play in creating positive change within their communities.

Special thanks were extended to all presenters, nominators, performers and supporters, including - Izzy Roberts; staff at Pembrokeshire College; event organisers Nadine Farmer, Bethany Roberts, Nicky Edwards and Angie Moore; and contributing businesses including National Grid, Princes Gate, Tan y Castell, Greggs and The Vine.