ANNUAL awards recognising the continuing high standards achieved by Vale Council employees and volunteers aiding road safety efforts, have been dished out.

The annual presentation awards ceremony was recently held at the Docks Office, in Barry, to recognise the continuing high standards achieved by Vale Council school crossing patrols (SCPs) and the volunteers involved with the child pedestrian training scheme Kerbcraft in Vale primary schools.

All were commended for their professionalism and enthusiasm in helping to provide children and adults with safe crossing points throughout the Vale despite a seemingly ever increasing amount of traffic.

A Special Award was presented to Karin Williams who, while patrolling outside Rhws Primary School in June last year, was involved in a freak incident when a car flipped over and mounted the kerb where she and a group of children and parents were standing.

Karin took the full impact and sustained very serious injuries. Onlookers said several children would have died or would have had far worse injuries themselves if it had not been for Karin’s courageous and brave reactions.

Another honoured was the popular and reliable Barrie Evans, a mobile patrol officer for the past year, who started outside St Helen’s Junior School more than three years ago and is currently covering Rhws Primary School.

Director of development services Rob Thomas said: "The success of any scheme relies upon the dedication and commitment of the individuals involved, be it on a voluntary basis or in a paid role. To remain enthusiastic and continue to smile whilst standing in the pouring rain takes a very dedicated individual.”

More than 200 Kerbcraft volunteers have freely given up their time since 2002 to help prepare young road users to be safe pedestrians.

Child pedestrian training has involved nearly 5,000 children in the Vale alone.

Several awards were presented to volunteers from SCPs and Kerbcraft, whose efforts were appreciated over the past 12 months.