Brecon's community spirit was celebrated in style as the nominees and winners of the Best of Brecon Awards 2026 were recognised at a special ceremony held at the historic Guildhall on July 2.

Organised by Brecon Town Council, the annual awards celebrate the remarkable contributions of individuals, community groups and local businesses whose commitment, generosity and dedication help make Brecon a wonderful place to live, work and visit.

This year's awards also saw the introduction of two new categories – the Charitable Fundraising Award and the Sport, Wellbeing and Health Award.

The council received an outstanding number of nominations.

Following careful consideration, the judging panel selected the following winners:

• Young Volunteer Award. Winner: Brooke Shellard for her dedication to volunteering with residents at Trenewydd Care Home. Not only has she devoted much of her own free time to visiting residents, but she has also organised and coordinated a team of young volunteers to do the same.

• Volunteer of the Year Award. Winner: Joan Breese and Margaret Maissen for organising weekly coffee mornings and for preparing and delivering home-cooked Sunday lunches at Gwenllian Morgan Court.

• Voluntary Group or Team of the Year. Winner: Brecon Little Theatre for nurturing creativity, confidence and talent throughout the community and for providing access to the performing arts for people of all ages in Brecon.

• Personal Achievement Award. Winner: Nick Lancaster for his voluntary work with Royal National Institute for the Blind, Guide Dogs, Visual Impairment Breconshire, Scouts and the Brecknock Access Group.

• Charitable Fundraising Award. Winner: Gemma Schiebe and Matthew Schiebe for fundraising on behalf of the Wish Ambulance Service after sadly experiencing a family bereavement.

• Sport, Wellbeing and Health Award. Winner: Phoenix Boxing Club for being a club where people build confidence, resilience and self-belief, and where, for many members, the club has provided friendship, support and a sense of belonging during difficult times.

• Community Business Award. Winner: Zeera. Through countless charity curry nights and fundraising events, the team at Zeera have regularly helped local clubs, schools, charities and community groups raise tens of thousands of pounds for important causes.

• Making a Positive Environmental Difference Award. Winner: Harrison Fec - As an Environmental Prefect at his school, Harrison has developedcomposting initiatives and food waste reduction, supported replanting projects and helped place environmental responsibility firmly on the agenda.

• Mayor’s Award for Outstanding Contribution. Winner: Derek Osborne - For decades, Derek Osborne has been at the heart of athletics in Brecon, dedicating countless hours to helping athletes of all ages achieve their potential. Far more than a coach, he has served as mentor, organiser, official, team manager, event coordinator and club leader, playing a central role in the success and growth of Brecon Athletics Club.

Also in this category there was a Highly Commended Award given to Liz Davies for being head coach, mentor, organiser and leader for Beacons Netball Club for more than fifteen years, guiding the club through challenges and successes and helping it grow into the thriving organisation it is today.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Mayor of Brecon, Councillor Sian Drinan said: "The Best of Brecon Awards are a wonderful opportunity to recognise the people whose kindness, dedication and community spirit make such a positive difference to our town. Every nominee has shown what can be achieved when people give their time, energy and compassion to others, and it has been a privilege to celebrate their achievements. On behalf of Brecon Town Council, I offer my sincere congratulations to all of this year's winners and nominees, and my thanks for everything they do for our community."

Brecon Town Council would like to thank everyone who submitted nominations and helped recognise the many individuals, organisations and businesses making a positive impact across the town.

Nominations for the Best of Brecon Awards 2027 will open in spring 2027.