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The finalists will be announced by the First Minister, Carwyn Jones, at a special ceremony, sponsored by the communication experts, Golley Slater, at the Wales Millennium Centre in Cardiff on Thursday 16th January.The St David Awards scheme is unique to Wales. It recognises the achievements of people from all walks of life, regardless of their origin or background, each nominated by members of the public.

The finalists were decided by an independent panel of judges, who brought a range of experience and today are revealed for the first time.

The chair of the judges Lord David Rowe Beddoe was joined in making the decision on the finalists by 27 other judges, including the CEO of the Admiral Group, Henry Engelhardt CBE, the principal of the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, Hilary Boulding and the WRU’s General Manager for the North Wales Development Region, Rupert Moon.

Speaking ahead of Thursday’s event, the First Minister said:

"The St David Awards are a unique opportunity for us to celebrate the ordinary people of Wales, who do extraordinary things.

"I am very grateful to the panel of judges for undertaking the difficult task of picking the finalists from the many talented and deserving entries we received. I now look forward to announcing and meeting the finalists at Thursday’s event."

Mike Leeson, Managing Director of advertising at the sponsors of Thursday’s event, Golley Slater, said:

"The St David Awards mark yet another important milestone in 21st Century Wales.

"A Wales which is progressive, dynamic, and, we would say, the most forward thinking nation of the United Kingdom.

"We’re proud to be a business with its heritage, headquarters and future in Wales, and today we’re particularly proud to be associated with the inaugural St David Awards."

There are eight award categories:

• Bravery
• Citizenship
• Culture
• Enterprise
• Innovation and Technology
• Sport
• International, and
• Young Person

There is also a ninth award, the First Minister’s Special Award, which will be chosen personally by the First Minister and for which people could not be nominated.

The winner for each category will be announced in an award ceremony at the Royal Welsh College for Music and Drama in Cardiff on Thursday 13th March.