A CHARITY café that supports the lifesaving work of the Wales Air Ambulance (WAA) has been shortlisted for an award.

Caffi HEMS, based at Caernarfon Airport in North Wales, has been shortlisted in the best not-for-profit category at the inaugural Welsh Café Awards 2019.

The cafe will find out if they have been crowned winners at a ceremony at The Exchange Hotel, in Cardiff, on Tuesday, July 23.

The Welsh Café Awards event is run by Creative Oceanic but voted for by the Welsh public.

The event will gather top baristas, coffee specialists and representatives of local cafés that have transformed the process of making coffee to an art.

Caffi HEMS is run by WAA and its name is inspired by the charity’s role in the field of Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS).

It is open all year round, with volunteers and staff serving a wide range of food and snacks.

Located near the beautiful Gwynedd coastline, at Dinas Dinlle, Caffi HEMS also has spectacular panoramic views at the foothills of Snowdonia National Park.

Every penny raised at the café goes towards the lifesaving work of Wales Air Ambulance.

Lynne Garlick, WAA North Wales fundraising manager, said: “It is an honour to be nominated by the public as one of the best not-for-profit cafés in Wales.

"The café really is an important source of income for us, as we receive no direct government or national lottery funding and rely solely on the Welsh public to helps us reach the yearly target of £6.5 million.

"We would like to thank our loyal customers for their unwavering support and look forward to the awards ceremony later this month.”

Launched on St David’s Day 2001, Wales Air Ambulance is the national air ambulance service for Wales. The Charity operates four aircraft from bases in Caernarfon, Welshpool, Cardiff and Llanelli.

A spokesperson for the Welsh Café Awards 2019 said: “Coffee is the most popular drink worldwide and the trade values billions of pounds.

“The Welsh café industry has seen massive growth over the past few years with many new coffee shops entering the sector, increasing the competition.

“This ceremony aims to acknowledge those who have played a great role in making this sector one of the most profitable industries in this country.

"These finalists reflect those who put so much effort into providing high-quality food, snacks and hot beverages to customers across the country.

“We would like to congratulate everyone for being shortlisted and we wish all finalists the best of luck.”