A television presenter, teenage karate club founder, and representatives from charities and tourist attractions were among those welcomed by the Prime Minister during a special St David’s Day reception at Downing Street.

Prestatyn-born television presenter Carol Vorderman and Bodelwyddan karate instructor and club founder Bethan Owen were among leading figures from Welsh charity, business, sport and the arts to be invited.

Teenagers and schoolchildren nominated for remarkable feats as part of the National Children of Wales Awards spent time chatting to PM Boris Johnson in the White Room - the part of the house reserved for world leaders when they visit No10.

With achievements ranging from charity fundraising, environmental campaigning and triumphing over adversity, the group included Bethan, 17, who qualified as a karate instructor aged just 12 and founded her own not-for-profit karate club in Rhyl which attracts carers off all ages.

Bethan, of Bodelwyddan, is a young carer and has been helping to take care of her mum, who has epilepsy, from a young age, charges a minimal fee to ensure young people from all backgrounds can learn the skill.

The PM told guests at the reception on Thursday: “I’m absolutely thrilled to welcome you to this celebration in No10.

“Many of you are running fantastic businesses and Wales already has quite extraordinary success stories.

“Thank you for coming and happy St David’s Day.”

The corridors of Downing Street were adorned with fresh daffodils to mark the day and the Welsh flag flew outside the famous black building.

The PM also spoke to stallholders showcasing Welsh produce and others promoting their achievements and charitable work. Among those that attended were the Snowdonia Cheese Company, craft beer company Boss Brewing, adventure firm Zip World and Wales Air Ambulance.

Secretary of State for Wales Simon Hart, who was also at the reception, said: “The Prime Minister’s St David’s Day reception has been a wonderful opportunity to showcase Wales’ impact on a global scale by welcoming guests who represent all aspects of our culture, history, language as well as our sporting and business successes.

“I’m delighted so many of our world-renowned and up and coming culinary brands also showcased their produce, from award-winning Snowdonia Cheese to the unique flavours of Barti Rum.

“The Welsh food and drink sector generated a record turnover of £7.47 billion last year, an achievement the UK Government will continue to support as we make the most of the opportunities ahead.”

Representatives from the Welsh Rugby Union and the Football Association of Wales were also in attendance.