A TRIO of schoolchildren who have faced adversity in their young lives have had their courage and determination recognised with awards in memory of an outstanding Welsh sportsman.

Yesterday (June 11) would have marked the 75th birthday of Tom Pryce, the only Welsh Formula One racing driver.

Known to his friends as Maldwyn, he was already established as a Grand Prix star and was destined for even greater things when he was tragically killed during the South African Grand Prix in March 1977.

He was raised in the Vale of Clwyd, where his father, Jack, was a police sergeant and mother, Gwyneth, a district nurse.

He attended Ysgol Frongoch in Denbigh, where a special ceremony was held yesterday.

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Following his death, a trust fund was set up, and in 2009, on what would have been his 60th birthday, a mural depicting his achievements was unveiled in Ruthin.

Many of his friends and fans felt that there should be some form of memorial in his former hometown of Denbigh.

The trust decided to present an annual “inspiration award” to Ysgol Frongoch for the pupil who has overcome hardship in one form or another and shown outstanding resilience.

Yesterday, three pupils shared the awards, having been chosen by their fellow Year Six classmates.

They were Sascha Babych and Kristina Mitsavo, both of whom have settled well in the school after arriving from Ukraine, and Thomas Hayward, whose bravery in the face of personal problems impressed his schoolmates and staff.

“All three have faced adversity and fully deserve their awards,” said headteacher Dylan Thomas.

As well as trophies, the three were presented with copies of the book Tom Pryce – Memories of a Welsh F1 Star by co-author Darren Banks.

The trophies were presented by Trefor Williams, Tom’s best friend who was best man at his wedding in 1975, and a former workmate of Tom’s, Rod McCully.

Chairing the event was another friend of the Pryce family, former headteacher Cledwyn Ashford, who said that Tom was extremely modest and would have loved to think that he had inspired one of the children.

“I am delighted that the school is presenting the award in his memory every year,” he said.

As part of the occasion, several classic cars owned by motoring enthusiasts were on display in the school playground.