Ruth Jones has been honoured with a special St David Award for her success with Gavin & Stacey.

The actress, who co-created the show with James Corden, was among those being recognised at the annual ceremony in Cardiff on Thursday, celebrating individual achievements from Wales.

Earlier, she was also nominated for Best Female Comedy Performance at this year's BAFTA Television awards, taking place in May.

The special award was presented by the First Minister, Eluned Morgan.

Ruth said: “I was pretty bowled over when I was told that I had been chosen to be the recipient of the First Minister’s Special Award. It’s very special and I feel very, very honoured. I am really proud.”

Over 20 million people watched the final episode last Christmas with the scene when Mick stood up at Smithy's wedding also nominated at the BAFTAs in the Memorable Moment category - an award decided by the public.

The Welsh Government said the award recognised Ruth for her "outstanding contribution to the cultural life of Wales" and her "massive success in capturing the heart of the nation."

Eluned Morgan said: "I am thrilled to celebrate the huge success that Ruth Jones has achieved, she has showcased the warmth and wit of the Welsh people. We are proud to have such a huge talent here."

"Ruth Jones (through Ness in Gavin and Stacey) has given us permission to laugh at ourselves as Welsh people, and at the quirky things we do and say, and because of that we have become more confident and relaxed as a nation which has led to an outpouring of love for the Welsh people across the world."

"Ruth Jones has done more to put our country on the map than anyone else in decades – and we could not be more proud of her."

The First Minister also chose the ten other winners of the awards, which were announced during the Senedd ceremony.

The winner of the Bravery award was Justin Biggs from Penarth, who saved a couple from drowning after their car entered the water near Cardiff Bay Yacht Club.

Eluned Morgan added: "This year’s awards are my first as First Minister, making it really special to me. It is a privilege to celebrate an amazing group of talented and courageous people. The finalists are an inspiration to us all.”

All winners received a St David Awards trophy designed and made by leading ceramic artist Daniel Boyle from Ceredigion.

Professor Jean White, chair of the awards' advisory panel, added: "Being part of the judging process is sometimes emotional when you hear stories of bravery and people overcoming adversity to succeed. It makes me feel very proud to be Welsh.”