Two Powys-based community heroes have been shortlisted for this year’s BBC Cymru Wales Make a Difference Awards – a celebration of everyday people making a powerful impact in their local communities.

The awards, which have launched in Wales for the first time in 2025, honour individuals and groups across eight categories ranging from community action and fundraising to environmental work and youth achievement. More than 700 nominations were received, with just 32 finalists making it through to the final round.

Among them is Martin Draper from Talgarth, whose On the Verge project has been recognised in the Green Award category. Martin’s aim is to create and maintain wildflower habitats and increase environmental awareness through education and influence. Starting with an idea in Talgarth to leave local verges unmown and create a community garden, he has brought together a group of like-minded volunteers and created the 1MetreMatters brand, an initiative which is now being adopted by councils across Wales.

Also flying the flag for Powys is Jamie the Welsh Cob, a therapy horse based at the Game Change Project in Newtown, who has been shortlisted in the Animal Award category. Described as intuitive and gentle, Jamie has supported hundreds of young people through equine-assisted learning sessions.

The winners will be announced at a BBC Cymru Wales ceremony in Cardiff on September 20, judged by Welsh stars including Gethin Jones, Lauren Price, Owain Wyn Evans and Iolo Williams.

Leading the awards are BBC Radio Wales’ Lucy Owen and BBC Radio Cymru’s Shân Cothi.

Speaking about the finalists, Lucy Owen said: “We’re absolutely blown away by the nominations we’ve had. There are so many wonderful stories about community groups making a huge difference in their local areas and outstanding individuals committed to bringing people together, fundraising for good causes and caring for others.”