A Carmarthenshire woman has been given an award by The Princess Royal.

Gill Adams, the principal manager of Carmarthenshire Youth Justice Team, was recognised at the Butler Trust Annual Awards ceremony.

The awards are known as the 'Oscars' of the sector, being the only UK-wide awards specifically for individuals working in custodial and community justice settings.

Ms Adams' work in youth justice over the years, primarily with the Youth Support Service in Carmarthenshire, garnered her the recognition.

Her transformative efforts have been instrumental in curbing custodial sentencing and charging levels for all offences among young individuals in the county.

By doing so, the service has been successful in focusing on prevention and reducing harm in those at risk of drug overdose.

Over her tenure, she strengthened her reputation as a compassionate and dedicated leader, enriching the lives of the young individuals under her charge.

She has served for many years as one of the UK's longest-serving Youth Offending Team managers.

Adding to her list of services, she has chaired the Welsh YOT managers group and served on the Youth Justice Blueprint Panel Board for Wales, National Hwb Doeth Board and the National Court User Group & Principal Youth Officers Group.

Ms Adams' role also comprises managing the county council’s Youth Support Service.

Under her guidance, the service has become a model of continuous evolutionary growth, bagging Youth Excellence Awards and the Quality Mark for Youth Work in Wales at Gold Level.

Carmarthenshire’s Youth Justice Team, under Ms Adams' stewardship, has been deemed sector-leading.

The team also received a commendation from the Youth Justice Board for being 'outstanding' in all self-assessed indicators.

Her leadership emphasises diversity and tackles disproportionality while instilling a caring and compassionate work culture in the organisation.

Jake Morgan, director of community services for Carmarthenshire County Council, hailed her dedication and commitment.

He noted that "countless young people" have benefitted from the transformative changes she implemented.

He described her as an "effective mentor," a "passionate advocate of fairness" and a professional who is "passionate about ensuring all children and young people succeed."

Ms Adams' acceptance of the Butler Trust Award, according to Mr Morgan, is a well-deserved recognition of her efforts.