Community champions honoured at BBC awards

From a scout leader supporting refugees, to brothers who baked cakes to fund volunteering in Kenya, some of Shropshire's most dedicated community champions have been recognised at the BBC Make a Difference Awards.

Dozens of volunteers, fundraisers and community groups were honoured at a ceremony at The Anstice in Madeley, Telford, on Friday, celebrating people whose efforts have made a lasting difference to communities across the county.

Winners in eight categories were announced following a public nomination process and consideration by a panel of independent and BBC judges.

Rose Aston, executive producer at BBC Radio Shropshire, said it had been "a wonderful afternoon celebrating the people who make our county a better place".

Among the winners was Steve Smith, who received the Volunteer Award for his work with 1st Shrewsbury Scouts, as well as Shrewsbury Food Hub and Shropshire Supports Refugees.

The ceremony heard from scouts, Emilia and Phoebe, who praised his commitment and dedication.

Smith's nomination said he created opportunities for young people to gain confidence, learn skills and experience adventure.

The Young Hero Award went to brothers Alfie and Louie, from Broseley, who raised more than £10,000 through a cake-making business to help fund a volunteering trip to Kenya.

"We started doing these markets and all these different events like Christmas lights switch-ons," Alfie said, while Louie explained he baked the cakes for his brother to decorate.

The pair hope to take part in community and cultural projects during their visit, including building work and meeting local communities.

Community spirit was also recognised through the Great Neighbour Award, which was presented to Debi Angell.

Described in her nomination as "the most selfless person I know", the former Clun Women's Institute president organises charity initiatives, helps neighbours get to hospital appointments, teaches sewing and regularly bakes for people in her village.

"We don't know when any of us is going to be in a situation when we're on our own, and we're here to help each other," she said.

One neighbour, Iris, told the ceremony: "She pops across to see if I'm still alive. She's a friend with a capital F."

The Active Award was presented to Sandy Ramsay, a retired neurological physiotherapist who runs a dance group for people with Parkinson's in Shrewsbury, alongside Annie Moody.

Moody praised her colleague's efforts, saying: "Sandy holds it all together. She does all the emails and all the administrative stuff."

In the Animal Award category, Amanda Ball was recognised for her work running Severn Valley Rescue near Bridgnorth, where she cares for a wide range of rescued animals.

Colleague Julie Turner said Ball had dedicated her life to helping animals that might otherwise have nowhere to go.

Environmental Award winners were the basement team at Telford shopping centre, whose work focuses on recycling waste and reducing the amount sent to landfill.

Their manager, Sonny Stewart, said their commitment was "unbelievable", adding: "If it can be recycled, they recycle it."

The Fundraiser Award went to staff and volunteers at The Elizabethan pub on Woodside, Telford, who have raised thousands of pounds for good causes.

The effort began in memory of Nik Russell, the son of former landlady, Lesley Russell, who died from diabetic ketoacidosis.

The fundraising campaign helped ensure ambulances in the area were equipped with DKA testing strips before expanding to support other local causes.

Manager Kelly Lake said: "We had fun times doing it, but it was constant. We were up at seven in the morning, we're not finishing until midnight to get it all done."

The final award of the ceremony, the Community Group Award, went to The Fox at Ryton, a village pub saved and reopened by local residents.

Chair David Oliver said volunteers from across the community stepped forward to help renovate and reopen the venue.

"The collective community effort is what makes the difference," he said. "It's not the small group that led it, it's the community backing."

Friday's ceremony was hosted by BBC Radio Shropshire presenters Adam Green, Clare Ashford and Paul Shuttleworth, with nominees, supporters, judges and local dignitaries among those attending.

Closing the event, Aston said it was a privilege to celebrate people who made a difference to life across Shropshire and to share the stories of both the winners and the many other nominees recognised during the awards.

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