Heroes championed at BBC Make a Difference Awards

An eight-year-old recycling star who prevented more than 11,000 sweet tubs going into landfill and an 86-year-old gymnastics coach were amongst those honoured at an award ceremony held to celebrate local heroes.

The BBC Radio Solent Make a Difference Awards had eight categories, recognising those who love to make life better for others in the area.

To date, millions of people have been involved in Make a Difference across BBC radio stations.

Young hero Teddy, from Netley, Hampshire, was given his award alongside other winners at the Utilita Bowl in Southampton on Tuesday.

Angered that the popular plastic sweet tubs could not be recycled in his area, Teddy set about trying to make a difference during Christmas 2024.

In that period, he collected about 2,500, and then by February this year had 11,233 tubs for recycling.

While some of the tubs can be recycled in some areas, his council did not take them.

Judge Aaron Phipps, the gold medal-winning Paralympic wheelchair rugby champion, said Teddy had achieved a "remarkable" feat and had "done this off his own back for the greater good".

At the other end of the age range, judges recognised John Molloy from Havant, Hampshire.

The 86-year-old has been coaching and mentoring gymnasts in Portsmouth and Havant for 44 years.

Nominated by his daughter, Ali, Molloy said: "I don't want any credit for it. It's just something I have loved doing. I love it."

Judging the award, Southampton football legend Franny Benali and his daughter Kenzie said Molloy was the standout candidate and had gone "the extra mile" to help others.

The Victoria Road Gardeners in Woolston, Hampshire, have transformed neglected areas into beautiful green spaces that bring people closer to nature and each other.

The group won the environmental award and member Lyn Cox said: "We didn't have any money, we didn't have any plants but what we did have was a community."

She said they have "worked to make it the best we can".

Charlotte Blanchard, from Bournemouth, first started the Space Youth Project in 2001. Twenty-five years on, the LGBT+ group still supports young people.

She has dedicated thousands of hours to the cause, securing funding for the charity after setting it up with others as a 16-year-old.

"Space has had such a special place in my heart," Blanchard said. "While there are still young LGBT+ people out there that need support, I'll keep giving them my time."

The 4Ps Project at Vectis Radio in Newport, Isle of Wight, was given the community group award, which recognises a group of people that has helped to change the lives of others in their area.

It has used radio broadcasting to build young people's communication skills, confidence and self-esteem.

Ian Mack, from the group, said: "It's all about the youngsters. They're the ones that are achieving every day.

"We just put the project together 13 years ago and they are following it to the letter. They're the real winners here."

Carole Ann Taylor, from Poole, Dorset, was given the great neighbour award.

She runs The Hub on the Heath, a not-for-profit community cafe that has become a lifeline for many people.

"This isn't work for me. This was a life choice we made for me to give up my career to do this and it is magic," she said.

"I might be the one nominated but this is a family and team effort.

"This doesn't happen without the people here, it doesn't happen without the community supporting this. But I'm incredibly grateful that people are getting what we do, supporting what we do and love it."

Russell Matthews, from Fareham in Hampshire, raised £42,000 by doing challenges and running 12 marathons for Young Lives vs Cancer after his son Harry was diagnosed with leukaemia in 2016.

He was the winner of the fundraiser award.

Liz Blunt, from the charity, said Matthews is "completely inspiring".

She added: "He's so positive, kind, fun, helpful and generous. We all think a great deal of him at Young Lives vs Cancer and he truly does make a difference."

Nelly, from Netley Abbey, helps in the Read2Dogs scheme with her owner Mary McPherson.

Together the duo have visited children at St Monica School in Sholing and helped them to learn to read for three years.

"It's such a surprise but it's for Nelly. Nelly is the one who does it," McPherson said.