The Child of Wales Awards, an event that celebrates the inspirational achievements of children across Wales, due to take place in the Celtic Manor on April 3, has been postponed because of concerns overCoronavirus (COVID-19).

Some 750 guests including a number of celebrities were due to attend the event hosted by Carol VordermanMBE and Ian Gough. The organisers said that the difficult decision was taken in the best interests of the guests and the young award winners. A new date will be announced for the event once there is greater clarity over managing the Coronavirus.

Blanche Sainsbury, the founder of the event, said: “This was not an easy decision to take. We have been building momentum to this event for a very long time and there were many young people and their families looking forward to what was to be a very special evening.

“However, the health and wellbeing of our award winners and guests was always paramount. Given the crisis the country is facing and the uncertainty surrounding the spread of the virus and the risk it poses to some members of the population, we felt there was no real option but to postpone.

“We remain committed to delivering what will be a truly remarkable night later in the year. As things stand, we hope to be able to announce a new date by May/June with the expectation that the awards will now happen later in the year. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the Celtic Manor and all the sponsors behind the awards for their support in moving the date to later in the year.”