A BUSINESSWOMAN who has made a difference in Hereford and the wider community was given a Special Recognition Award.

The award was chosen by the judges for the person who has made a considerable, profitable and lasting contribution to the business community in Hereford.

Hayley Llewellyn from cafe, No 10 in Church Street was shocked to receive the award at the end of the ceremony.

She said: "I am really shocked. It has never happened to me before. No-one said anything to me and I didn't expect it at all."

Hayley is the driving force behind the Independent Quarter, particularly in her role within the Traders Association for Church Street and the connecting streets.

As part of the association, she has helped turn the area into an attractive shopping and leisure area that provides a distinctive focal point for shopping in Hereford.

As a result, Church Street is a unique section of the city with attractive independent shops and passionate traders.

She has an incredibly warm and caring personality and is involved in wider community projects.

Hayley is passionate about watching young people grow and achieve. She founded Green Tomatoes Theatre Group and has worked with young people delivering art and drama-based experiences, both in order to achieve academic success and to work therapeutically with young people in crisis.

Although a drama specialist, she has also supported young people in a number of outdoor education projects, as well as studying and delivering political and historical short courses.

Hayley jointly runs Red Castle training which works with young people to build up confidence and self-esteem to help give them a better future.

She has run No 10 for four and a half years, which is a successful and vibrant café that adds to the character of the street.

From here, she started the suspended coffee scheme in Hereford, which sees customers pay in advance for an extra drink, sandwich or soup for someone who needs it. Those in need in Hereford benefit directly from the scheme.

Hayley is on the board of directors at Hereford BID for hospitality and is passionate about making Hereford a great place to be.

She’s a genuinely warm, bubbly, likeable person who really cares about others, and sees the bigger picture for the greater good.

The award was presented to Hayley by CF Roberts managing director, Ian Henderson.