Amman Valley screen icon Siân Phillips has been honoured for her contribution to Welsh life at a glittering awards ceremony in Cardiff.

recognised. Phillips CBE The 81-year-old star, from Gwaun cae Gurwen, picked up the Culture Award for excellence in the arts at the St David Awards event at the Senedd in Cardiff Bay.

Siân , who shot to stage fame in the 1960s and has remained a fixture on TV and stage ever since screens, was unable to attend the event as she is currently starring in Playing for Time at Sheffield’s Crucible Theatre.

Cousin Gethin Lewis attended the ceremony to collect the award on the Bafta-winner’s behalf from the First Minister Carwyn Jones.

“I can’t tell you how very honoured and happy I am,” said Siân The awards, now in their second year, acknowledge the extraordinary achievements of people in Wales and were created to recognise the great deeds and contributions to all walks of life.

Following a rigorous expert judging process chaired by Lord Rowe Beddoe the winners in each of the Among other winners, Port Talbot screen star Michael Sheen was presented with the International award while Olympic Gold winning cyclist Geraint Thomas claimed the Sports award.

Members of the Cardigan RNLI were presented with the Bravery award.

First Minister of Wales Carwyn Jones said: “I’d like to offer my congratulations to each and every one of the St David Award winners.

“They are an exceptional group of people who’ve achieved so much with little desire for the recognition they thoroughly deserve.”

Mr Jones also called on the public to consider who should be nominated for the 2016 awards.