THE efforts of two young people to raise thousands of pounds for Builth Wells-based Mid Powys Youth Theatre (MPYT) has been recognised by PAVO as Group Volunteers of the Year for Art and Culture.

Inspired by a desire to see the group continue, Buck Blake and Ben Wilson came up with the idea of a sponsored walk, but not just any sponsored walk.

For the past four years, Buck and Blake have led a team of MPYT Walkers along the Offa’s Dyke Path in an annual fundraising effort. As well as leading the group, they are responsible for organising and booking of campsites, food, medicines, safety questions, participants joining or leaving the group, plus the running of the Crowdfunder campaign as well.

Their fundraising efforts have raised around £8,000 in the past four years.

The money raised is used for admin and overheads that cannot be paid for by project-specific fundraising.

PAVO (Powys Association of Voluntary Organisations) praised Buck and Ben and said: “Both lads are driven by an urgent desire to see MPYT carry on and remain viable in uncertain times when funding is limited, and continue to provide an outlet for creative aspirations of the young people of mid Powys.”

MPYT produces a large-scale autumn production every year, with companies of up to 40 talented young actors, musicians and technicians working under professional leadership and guidance.

PAVO said: “The quality of these productions, and the commitment of the young people involved, has ensured a loyal following and established for MPYT a well-deserved place on the cultural map of Mid Wales.”

Working at no core cost support, the youth drama group is open to all young people between the ages of 14 and 24, and in Builth Wells for children aged 8 to 13 at the Wyeside every Tuesday during term time, from 4.30 to 6pm.

The MPYT Walkers’ nominator said: “These guys are amazing. For several years now, knowing their beloved organisation struggles to stay afloat from one year to the next they come up with some crazy impossible stunt to help the cause.

“They just keep going. Truly amazing.”