A VETERANS’ champion from Llandudno was recognised for his volunteer work at a special reception at 10 Downing Street.

Adrian Hughes, of Llandudno’s Home Front Museum, accompanied Aberconwy MP Robin Millar to a veteran champions’ reception hosted by Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Jonny Mercer MP.

Mr Hughes attended in recognition of his decades of voluntary work supporting veterans and keeping alive the memory of soldiers, airmen and sailors from the town who have fallen in conflict.

Since 2000, Adrian has also kept the memories of Llandudno’s wartime history alive through his Home Front Museum on New Street – an attraction that is appreciated by residents and visitors alike.

He has also helped to highlight the heroism of the town’s fallen through his voluntary work with the Commonwealth War Graves Commission and he supports today’s veterans through managing Llandudno’s Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal.

Commenting on the reception, Mr Hughes said: "Although a surprise, I was delighted to receive the invitation to attend the veterans' reception in Downing Street and to meet with the Minister for Veterans.

MORE: Family tribute to Llandudno vicar who they 'miss very much’

“It was a great opportunity to meet fellow volunteers from across the country and exchange ideas on commemorating the fallen and to showcase the proud military history of Llandudno.

“Thank you to Robin for his hand in this  and for me, someone who is interested in history, the tour of Parliament was a real bonus."

Following the reception, Mr Millar MP said: “I’m delighted that Adrian’s commitment to supporting our veterans and passion for preserving Llandudno’s fascinating wartime history has been recognised by the Prime Minister.

“Last year Adrian introduced me to some of our local war graves. His knowledge of our military past, and his commitment for keeping alive the memories of our fallen, is greatly appreciated by so many in the area.

“I’d recommend to residents and visitors alike to seize the opportunity to join Adrian on one of his tours – and of course, if they haven’t done so already, to visit his Home Front Museum.

“Supporting our veterans and stronger communities is one of my priorities. Conwy has the highest proportion of veterans of any county in Wales and it has been a real privilege to meet and listen to veterans across Aberconwy.

“The work of local charities and community groups such as the Royal British Legion, Blind Veterans, Llandudno’s Troop Café and Military Minds FC is remarkable and means so much to the veterans they support.

“I am pleased that my Private Members’ Bill in support of veterans has now progressed to the final stages before receiving Royal Assent. This UK Government is determined to make the United Kingdom the best place in the world to be a veteran and I am proud that this Bill will help in a modest way to realise this vision.

“It facilitates the provision of more support to more veterans and it gives ministers the flexibility to adapt support that is available to veterans as circumstances change.”