A CRAFTY group of retired women have been recognised at a housing association’s annual Making a Difference Awards.

The women gained the accolade for the positive impact made on their own lives and their communities.

The Craft Tuesdays group, of the Hanover Court housing scheme, were finalists in the Community Project category at the Wales & West Housing (WWH)awards.

The awards are in their ninth year and are open to residents living in WWH properties across Wales. They celebrate good neighbours, local heroes in the community, environmental and community projects and those who have made inspirational and motivational changes to their lives.

The group is led by Barbara Edwards, Rosemary Cox, Jan Fisher and Joy Wood.

It was their idea to bring residents who live at 55-flat development in Cadoxton together with craft activities that everyone could join in.

The WWH Making a Difference grant helped them buy materials to start their group.

Subsequent money raised through selling hand-made crafts such as sock monkeys, painted plaques and pebbles, knitted toys and gifts made from recycled books, is used to put on free social activities for those living at the scheme.

Ms Cox said: “It was brilliant to be recognised. We enjoy making different things. It gives us something to do.”

WWH chief executive, Anne Hinchey said: “The awards are our way of recognising the strength and community spirit of our residents.

"I am inspired and moved by the stories of kindness and selflessness. It’s humbling to know we have people living in our communities who make a real difference to the lives of those around them.

"To see the continued success of our Barry residents at these awards, showing such fantastic displays of community spirit, is amazing and we look forward to our 10th awards.”

More than 200 people, including WWH residents from across Wales, attended the ceremony which took place at the SWALEC Stadium, Cardiff.