A mental health nurse from Caernarfon has won an award after turning her personal experience of post-natal depression into a support group for other new mothers.

Ffion Wyn Evans' venture, named Blocs, earned recognition at the inaugural Gwobrau Mwyaf Cymraeg y Byd (Most Welsh in the World Awards), which took place at Tan y Graig, near Aberystwyth.

The awards are organised by the Anglesey-based firm Lafan as part of the Bwrlwm ARFOR project which aims to promote the economic value of Welsh in businesses in Welsh language strongholds like Ynys Môn, Gwynedd, Ceredigion, and Carmarthenshire.

Ms Evans, who's about to begin working with Gwynedd schools to develop understanding of children’s mental health needs, founded Blocs as a form of therapy.

She channelled her negative thoughts into arts and crafts designed for young children which she later expanded into a book.

Pictured from left to right, Anwen Davies  (ARFOR Programme Regional Manager) Tudor Hughes and Ffion Hughes (Caffi Maes)  (Image: Phil Blagg Photography)

The book, named Enfys o Emosiynau (Rainbow of Emotions), serves as a mental health resource for children aged between three to 10.

The book has since been taken up by 30 schools around Wales.

Ms Evans said: "It was hard at first opening up about my PND but I was helped by Llwyddo’n Lleol 2050 which offers help to young people who want to live and work in the Welsh-speaking heartlands of Wales."

She also said: "There wasn’t anything like that out there and children growing up with mental health issues were having to deal with it through their second language of English so I am delighted this has been taken up by so many schools."

Ms Evans' recognition was one of seven awards presented at the event.

Another award went to Caernarfon's Caffi Maes in Castle Square, winning the Most Welsh Business award.

The café owners, Tudor and Ffion Hughes, have been there for 19 years.

Pictured from left to right, Tudor Hughes and Ffion Hughes (Caffi Maes)  (Image: Phil Blagg Photography)

Mr Hughes said: "It’s not a chore to make sure everything is in Welsh – it’s just natural for us – and with signage you have to have everything in twice.

"The staff are all first language Welsh and many of our regulars and the locals are as well but we also get Welsh learners who want to practice and we try and encourage them and we applaud them for trying their best."

Lead consultant, Geraint Hughes, explained the purpose of the award was to honour businesses that actively promote and utilise the Welsh language.

He said: "Everyone has a different story but what brings them together is not only their passion for Cymraeg but going beyond the emotion is that it’s a useful and often essential tool to have in their business."

Zoe Pritchard, manager of Bwrlwm ARFOR, added: "We want to create a buzz around the use of Welsh in a business or commercial environment and how it can help businesses thrive and provide careers for our young people so they don’t feel they have to move away.

"Its aim is to celebrate the Welsh language and show that it is not a museum piece but can have real benefits and relevance to businesses here across the four counties."