February 27, 2026 - 221 views
A North Wales volunteer who has spent more than four decades helping to save lives has been recognised at this year’s national St David Awards — as Welsh legends Max Boyce and Jess Fishlock also took top honours.
Brian Jones, from Penmaenmawr, received the Volunteering Award for more than 40 years of dedicated service with British International Search and Rescue Dogs. His work has supported search operations at home and overseas, helping to reunite families and bring comfort in times of crisis.
Mr Jones was among the standout winners at the annual awards ceremony, now in its 13th year, which celebrates extraordinary contributions to Welsh life.
The Culture Award went to Max Boyce MBE, recognised for his decades-long impact on Welsh culture. The Glynneath-born performer, famed for chart-topping albums and the iconic anthem Hymns and Arias, has long been a voice of Welsh pride on the international stage.
Meanwhile, Wales’ most capped footballer Jess Fishlock MBE received the Sport Award. Fishlock, the first Welsh player to reach 100 international caps, played a pivotal role in guiding the national team to their first-ever UEFA Women’s European Championship finals last year — inspiring a new generation of young footballers across Wales, including in clubs throughout North Wales.
First Minister Eluned Morgan praised the winners, describing Max Boyce as “a national treasure” and Fishlock as “a Welsh sporting icon”.
But it was the recognition for Penmaenmawr’s Brian Jones that brought a particular North Wales spotlight to the ceremony. His long-standing commitment to search and rescue reflects the region’s strong culture of volunteering, particularly in coastal and mountainous communities where emergency response work is vital.
Also honoured on the night were Henry Engelhardt CBE and Diane Briere de l’Isle Engelhardt OBE, who received the First Minister’s Special Award for their job creation and charitable work in Wales, along with winners across business, innovation, public service and environmental fields.
Since launching in 2014, the St David Awards have recognised more than 300 individuals and organisations from across Wales — celebrating those who make a lasting difference to their communities.
For North Wales, the evening served as a reminder that alongside national icons, local heroes continue to make an extraordinary impact close to home.
