02 April 2012

   A documentary about a gypsy traveller and his horse and S4C’s nursery service have reached the shortlist of the 2012 Broadcast Digital Awards.

Joe a Ruby (a Chwarel production) is nominated in the Best News or Current Affairs Content category. Cyw will compete against some of the biggest names in UK television for the prestigious Children’s Channel of the Year including CBeebies and Cartoon Network.

The Award Ceremony takes place in London on 20 June.

Geraint Rowlands, S4C’s Interim Director of Commissioning, said: “Congratulations to all the programme makers involved. Joe and Ruby’s sad tale caught the imagination of the viewers and offered an insight into Wrexham’s gypsy traveller community at the same time. Cyw continues to contribute significantly to the future of the Welsh language and enriches the lives and education of children in Wales and beyond seven days a week.”

The story of the man and his white horse gained much media attention after the pair were spotted at Wrexham train station, the doctor’s surgery and in front of the town pub. A one-off documentary was later commissioned and followed the faithful duo, 71 year old Joe Purcell and his horse, Ruby and the travellers community to which they belonged.

Cyw and its programmes have been recognised in the UK and beyond on many occasions since its launch in 2008. The service has twice been shortlisted in the Channel of the Year category at BAFTA Kids Awards and Cyw’s programmes have been victorious in the Royal Television Society, Broadcast, BAFTA Cymru and Celtic Media Festival awards.

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