
The Tom Pryce Memorial Trophy, awarded on the 150th Anniversary of the founding of the RNLI station at Porthdinllaen, marks the culmination of a multi-million pound investment in a new lifeboat together with a new boathouse and launch slip-way.
Coxswain Michael Davies said: “On behalf of RNLI Porthdinllaen I am delighted to receive the Tom Pryce Memorial Trophy for 2014.
"Over the past two years RNLI has invested £11m at Porthdinllaen with a new state-of-the-art boathouse and slipway together with the latest Tamar Class all-weather lifeboat - a key strategic component in the RNLI’s rescue service for the coast of North-West Wales.
"The vessel’s two Caterpillar C18 marine diesel engines which produce up to 1,001hp each at 2,300 rpm, allow for a range of 250 nautical miles and a maximum speed of 25 knots.”

He left his job as a high school teacher in 1980 to set up a garage business. Pentraeth became an early and innovative multi-franchise dealership with sites across North Wales and over the border in Chester. One of the Group’s earliest agreements was with Suzuki GB.
Mr Jones said: “It is unreal to realise the significance of this award. Working with major motor manufacturers has been an education.
"We have sold cars from around the globe and employed hundreds of people in North Wales.
"The name Pentraeth and our slogan ‘your dealer for life’ embody a culture which, I hope and trust, has been the inspiration for this award. I am humbled and deeply grateful to receive it.”
The Tom Pryce Memorial Trophy (from 1996) commemorates Wales’ greatest racing driver. A fire marshal ran into his path at the 1977 South African Grand Prix and both were killed. The crystal glass trophy is awarded to a Welsh man or woman for an outstanding contribution in the world of transport: Land, Sea or Air. It can also go to an undertaking or body with a special relationship to Wales or its automotive sector.
Inaugurated in 2010, the Automotive Achievement Award recognises personal or corporate excellence in the automotive sector. This year’s trophy was machined from solid aluminium and is inscribed: Grwp Pentraeth – Gyrfa Fodurol a Chyfraniad i Gymdeithas (Pentraeth Group – An Automotive Career and Contribution to Society).
Photos: Andrew Charman