BRITAIN'S youngest blacksmiths have been recognised with a Child of Wales award.

Ollie and Harvey Roberts, from Borras, started their own blacksmith business in 2020 during the Covid-19 lockdown.

The cousin's, aged 15 and 14 respectively, were taught the trade by their grandfather, Tony Roberts - who worked at Brymbo Steelworks. Since then, their business has rapidly grown.

They have raised money for the Ukraine war and Pakistan flood appeals, and designed work which has gone on display at the British Ironwork Museum and at Acton Park lake. 

And now, they have deservedly been recognised for their efforts with a prestigious national award.

They won the Young Leader category at the Child of Wales awards in Cardiff on Friday (March 24). They attended the prestigious black tie event at the Mercure Hotel - for which they even designed the trophies. 

The Leader:

Ollie and Harvey said: "To be announced the Young Leaders of Wales 2023 and winning the Child of Wales award is just incredible.

"We are overwhelmed and still can't believe that we were lucky enough to be part of such an amazing evening in Cardiff. We were so nervous at first, walking on the red carpet and being interviewed and photographed, it was like being in a film premier!"

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They added: "We are over the moon and would like to thank whoever it was that kindly nominated us, we would love to thank you in person. We'd also like to thank The Principality Building Society Children of Wales Awards and all the fantastic team there. Also Westacre for being our sponsor for the evening, and of course, our grandad, Tony. This award is as much grandad's as it is our's."

The Leader: Ollie and Harvey are interviewed about their award alongside their grandfather, Tony Roberts.Ollie and Harvey are interviewed about their award alongside their grandfather, Tony Roberts. (Image: User generated content)

Lucy Roberts, Ollie's mum and Harvey's auntie, said: "As a family we couldn't be prouder of Ollie and Harvey. What they have achieved over the last three years is just amazing.

"Going from learning to weld two pieces of metal together to being Children of Wales. Everyone is so proud of them, they have even been thanked by the mayor for helping to put Wrexham on the map, which is wonderful. Thank you for all the hundreds of messages they have received this weekend, we are getting through them slowly!"

To mark the three year anniversary of the boys' business - they are holding an open workshop event this Sunday (April 2). 

It will run between 12pm and 4pm and will give people a chance to look around the workshop, meet the team and see a range of their work.

There will be complimentary refreshments and their work will be on sale. The workshop is situated at 29 Glyndwr Road, Wrexham.