A FLINTSHIRE woman has walked away with a win from the inaugural BBC Wales Make a Difference Awards.
Sharon Beck, known to most as Shaz, from Buckley, was shortlisted for the Great Neighbour Award, after being nominated by the community.
The 60-year-old has created a much-needed community hub in the heart of the town, offering a range of community groups and classes, including a men's weekly café, a choir group, a knit and natter, pop-up classes for children, exercise sessions and craft fairs.
She runs all of this from a space inside her shop, Shaz Shabby Chic, based in Buckley Precinct.
Shaz, who was left totally shocked by the unexpected nomination, headed to Cardiff for Saturday's ceremony, with her husband Martin.
She said: "All the finalists were there, and a buffet was put on but I couldn't eat or drink, I was so scared."
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Her category was the first to be called, and Shaz became the first person to win a Make a Difference Award.
After taking to the stage for her award, she said she on return to her table, she was congratulated on her gasp at the announcement.
She said: "I really wasn't expecting it. Before I went, I already felt like I'd won.
"It's been so nice, people have really got behind me."
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Shaz's dedication goes beyond the day to day. She hasn't taken a wage for six years, and husband Martin returned to work after retiring to help support the project.
But her passion for the town is unwavering, with Shaz adding: "I love this place. Buckley has been forgotten for too long. We're helping to put it back on the map.
"We started as a pop-up shop and the community embraced me, and I wanted to give back."
Garmon Rhys, interim director of BBC Cymru Wales, said: "We're thrilled by the response we've had for our very first BBC Make a Difference Awards in Wales.
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"Over 700 nominations speaks volumes about the brilliant people we have across Wales who are doing incredible things for their communities. Congratulations and llongyfarchiadau to the eight inspiring winners of this year's awards and to everyone who was shortlisted and nominated."
Not one to take it easy, Shaz will be hosting this weekend's Wellness and Artisan Market at Buckley Precinct.
Taking place from 9am-4pm, there will be about 40 stalls, face painting, Shelby's Singers, tarot card reading and more.
Another two are set in the run up to Christmas, taking place on November 29 and December 13.
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