Disabled initiative wins top award.

Byline: David Jones 

A CO-OPERATIVE venture has won a top award at the Wales Co-operative Centre's silver anniversary ceremony.

The Contribution to a Local Community Award went to Menter Fachwen, which was established in 1987 with support from the Wales Co-operative Centre.

Menter Fachwen was started by a group of friends living in the village of Fachwen, on the edge of Snowdonia, who were interested in developing a local enterprise, and believed that people with disabilities should have equal chances to participate.

The co-operative began with the purchase of BrynPeris cottage in Fachwen but has grown, and now operates through six sites in the villages of Dyffryn Peris.

Its portfolio of activities includes two cafes, a bakery, a catering and buffet service, a joinery and a landscaping business.

Menter Fachwen creates chances for people to develop their abilities and reach their full potential through the co-operative's business ventures and community learning. The co-operative employs 26 people and does not rely on grant aid.

Caernarfon-based engineering services company Datrys Consulting was runner-up in the Most Co-operative Business category. Datrys was set up as an employee- owned operation in 2002 after a Dutch company pulled out of Wales.