MP Alun named as champion for work (From Penarth Times)

MP Alun named as champion for work

PENARTH MP Alun Michael has been named as the ePolitix.com Charity Champion Awards 2005 - Culture and Heritage Champion.

Mr Michael landed the honour on Thursday, in recognition of his work championing Welsh National Opera.

The prestigious awards honour the hard work done by Parliamentarians on behalf of voluntary causes and campaigns across a number of categories.

To be eligible for an award, MPs and peers have to be nominated by a charity for their good work during the year. A shortlist is then drawn up and voted on by their parliamentary colleagues.

Mr Michael said: "I'm very grateful and flattered to have won this award. My sincere thanks go to WNO for nominating me and my colleagues for voting for me.

"I've been interested in opera since I was a small child and it's good to recognise the really important work that WNO does in connecting to young people and the community."

A Welsh National Opera spokesman said: "Alun Michael has been one of WNO's most active and staunch supporters, and indeed, a significant ally to the arts in Wales generally.