VALERO’S innovative partnership with Wales’ national conservatoire has been recognised at the 25th annual Arts & Business Cymru Awards.

The awards, sponsored by Valero, celebrate exemplary partnerships between the private sector and the arts.

Companies of all sizes from across Wales competed in a number awards categories, with Valero nominated in the ‘Arts, Business and Young People’ category for its work with the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama.

Valero has supported the college’s West Wales Young Actors Studio since its inception in 2014, providing professional drama training for young people in west Wales who would otherwise have little opportunity to pursue careers in the dramatic arts.

Speaking following Valero’s success at the prestigious and star-studded black-tie ceremony at the Wales Millennium Centre, Refinery Public Affairs Manager Stephen Thornton said: “Valero’s continuing partnership with the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama is a real testament to Pembroke Refinery’s long-term commitment to leveraging our charitable giving to help the younger generation achieve their full potential.

“The world class Young Actors Studio, and Valero’s bursaries for financially disadvantaged students, addresses the lack of local specialist drama facilities in west Wales, and we are delighted to see it continue to flourish and grow.”

The college’s head of drama, Sean Crowley, said: “Valero’s support continues to be vital to the success of our Young Actors Studio in Pembrokeshire as over 95 per cent of the young people who attend require a bursary to meet the costs of training.

“This project enables us to work with young performers in west Wales to prepare them for entry into higher education and we’re delighted that so many students are now progressing into training at the college, and other leading drama schools such as RADA, LAMDA, as well as going on to university.”