Vale MP Alun Cairns introduced local residents Paul Haley and Tina Benfield to the Prime Minister at 10 Downing Street last week.
Both were invited to No 10 to recognise their work in the Vale at a Community Champion reception.
Paul Haley is the chairman of Pride in Barry and a respected businessman. He played a key role in securing £9M of regeneration funds for the town. Mr Haley also served on the Barry Regeneration Board.
Mrs Benfield has been the chairman of the Llanilltud Fawr in Flower group for a number of years. She led a regeneration project that has resulted in an outstanding flower display in Llantwit Major town centre in both summer and winter. She is supported by a large team of volunteers.
Alun Cairns said: ‘It was a pleasure to introduce Paul and Tina to the Prime Minister. He was obviously impressed with their hard work as Community Champions. He said that he knows Barry well having visited on several occasions, as well as being a huge fan of ‘Gavin and Stacey’. I told him that an invitation to visit Llantwit Major would follow soon!
Tina Benfield said, “It was a great honour and a privilege to be invited to meet the Prime Minister but it must be remembered that I am just the figurehead of the organisation. I want to pay tribute to all of the hardworking volunteers who made this possible and I am pleased to accept them recognition on their behalf.”
Paul Haley commented, “I was delighted to visit No10 and am extremely grateful to Alun for arranging it. It was great to meet the Prime Minister. He opened the conversation by saying ‘the Barry boys have arrived!’ He was very interested in the town’s regeneration. I told him that we still have a lot of work left to do.’
Alun added, ‘Both Tina and Paul give up their time because they want to support the communities. Barry and Llantwit Major are much better places because of their work. I hope their visit to No 10 will encourage them to carry on as they have done.
“They are true assets to our communities and it is fantastic to see them recognised for their hard work.”