The co-founder of a Mid Wales theatre company has been honoured with an honorary degree from Bangor University.

Linda Gittins MBE, from Dolanog near Llanfair Caereinion, has been chosen as one of 10 former alumni of Bangor University to be presented with an honorary degree later this summer.

The university selected ten individuals from the worlds of public service, literature, music, science, and sport to recognise for their contribution to public life.

A musician and composer, Mrs Gittins served as the head of the music department in Llanfair Caereinion Comprehensive School but is perhaps best known for co-founding Cwmni Theatr Maldwyn in 1981 and is renowned for producing some of Wales’ best and most iconic theatre shows.

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Founding the theatre company alongside Penri Roberts and the late Derec Williams nearly 45 years ago at the 1981 National Eisteddfod in Machynlleth, Cwmni Theatr Maldwyn has since grown a reputation for producing Welsh-language’s best and most iconic theatre shows such as Ann!, Y Mab Darogan and Pum Diwrnod o Ryddid.

Collaborating with the company’s two other co-founders, Mrs Gittins wrote and produced numerous stage shows, supporting the careers of many young talents in the process.

Some of the past cast members include West End star Luke McCall who has had huge success as the youngest person to date to perform the lead role in Phantom of the Opera and Les Misérables since beginning his career at Ysgol Theatr Maldwyn. He once described being part of the theatre school as a “privilege and honour”.

Mrs Gittins received an MBE for her service to music in 1997 and has now been recognised by Bangor as the university celebrates its 140th anniversary.

The degrees will be presented amidst the university’s graduation ceremonies between July 8 and July 12.

Other recipients include Sir Alan Bates, a former sub-postmaster from Llandudno who has campaigned for justice for sub-postmasters for two decades, and Noel Thomas, former sub-postmaster from Gaerwen, Anglesey who was wrongly convicted of false accounting after the Horizon computer system failed.

Professor Edmund Burke, Vice-Chancellor of Bangor University, said: “As well as celebrating each student’s journey to being awarded their degree, awarding Honorary Degrees allows us to show our appreciation for the impact made by individuals across public service, in the world of literature and music, in business, sport or science.”