PEOPLE who have made an outstanding contribution to their communities have been honoured during a glittering awards ceremony.

Wychavon District Council honoured a host of local heroes during its Community Recognition Awards, held at Peopleton Village Hall, near Pershore, on Thursday, March 16.

The awards aim to give those who have volunteered, coached or helped others some well-deserved recognition for their efforts.

Among the winners were Sue Ablett, from Evesham, who received the arts recognition award for her work to make the Evesham Festival of Words a success.

She said: “It was a good evening and nice to hear about the good things going on in Wychavon.”

The sporting hero award went to Bradley Smith in recognition of the time and dedication he puts in to playing and coaching for Pershore Tennis Club, and the prestigious lifetime achievement award went to Sue Collins, from Drakes Broughton, in recognition of her dedication to the parish games and other activities she runs across the Wychavon district.

The young volunteer award went to Holly Clarke, aged 13, from Droitwich, for her work raising money for homeless people and the volunteer award to Pamela Field from Crowle, near Worcester, for her voluntary work setting up the tea rooms and getting people involved at her local parish hall.

The community project award went to Rooftop Housing for its successful bowls project for residents in Wychavon and the community group award to Mr Beestans Gardens, in Droitwich, recognising the dedication volunteers have shown for the good of the community.

The enabling healthy lives award went to Richard Morrish, from Droitwich, for his efforts in helping others feel comfortable and at ease when they attend his local judo club.

Tracy Grubb, community development officer at Wychavon District Council, said: “Every category this year was full of very well deserving people who put the needs of others before themselves.

"It was very hard for the judges to choose the finalists let alone the winners and it just goes to show how many unselfish people dedicate their time and efforts to make others happy and feel included in their communities.

"I feel very proud that they are part of the Wychavon district.”