A GIRL from Prestatyn was among the winners at this year’s Child of Wales Awards after making more than 500 blankets out of crisp packets for homeless people.

Alyssa Dean, 14, was named the “environmental champion” at the 2024 ceremony, held at Swansea Arena and hosted by Gethin Jones on September 27.

She has been making the blankets for several years, which she creates by cleaning the crisp packets before ironing them to enable them to stick together.

When Alyssa donates them, she also gives people “care packages”, comprising items such as a scarf, hat, gloves, socks, deodorant, toothbrush, toothpaste, biscuits, sanitiser, and wet wipes.

Some of the crisp packet blankets she has made have also been sent to Ukraine.

Alyssa, who also makes dog poo bag dispensers, said as she received her award: “I want to encourage the younger generation to recycle, because it will be our future that we’re living in.”

She also expressed her thanks to everyone has supported her in her efforts, such as through donating items.

“I’m passionate about the environment,” she added.

“I want to have a good future and help the world when I’m able to.

“(In her dog poo dispenser bags), there’s a little letter in each of them saying to come back next time and bring some bags, so you can put it in yourself for other people who forget to bring their bags, as well.

“It’s important to me, and I’m happy that I’ve been recognised by others for my work.

“My vision is to help younger people be mindful of the environment, and teach them what to do and how to recycle.”