COMMUNITY champions and selfless people were honoured at an awards bash.

The Pride of the Malvern Hills Community Awards was packed with guests who came to celebrate the achievement of many charities,volunteers and organisations who have made a determined, positive impact on their community.

There was a real sense of anticipation in the air as guests used the opportunity to forge new connections with each other and the event really brought the Malvern community together.

Amanda Smith, community services manager at Malvern Hills District Council, said: “The Pride of Malvern Hills Community Awards are a chance to celebrate the selfless, hard work of the wonderful people in our district who have gone above and beyond to help others.

“Thank you to everyone who nominated and came along to show their support.”

The comperes for the night were cllrs David Watkins, portfolio holder for housing and communities and David Chambers, leader of the council.

A total of six categories were awarded, which included ‘Cleaner and Greener’, ‘Inclusive’, ‘Business in the Community’, Inspirational young Person’, ‘Improving Lives’ and Community Project of the Year’.

In ‘Cleaner and Greener’, the judge’s choice was Upton in Bloom Volunteers, for work making their community much greener and they were thanked for their efforts in enriching the appeal of Upton.

Pam White collected her ‘Inclusive’ award for her art working with disadvantaged adults and children who have various disabilities to improve their quality of life.

Welland Stores took ‘Business in the Community’, for its focus on its community, providing a social space for visitors to meet and socialise.

Under the Inspirational Young Person’s award, teenager Gabrielle Connor who took the award as a role model for her peers.

Gabrielle Connor, 13, said:”I’m really pleased with the award.

“It’s been a lot of fun!”

Improving Lives award was given to the Upton Community Care group, for the work it does in supporting patients who need to get to medical appointments who would otherwise struggle.

The final award of the evening was voted for by ballot by those who attended and the winner of the Community Project of the Year was Mappfest which is a festival open to everyone.

It raised nearly £4,000 last year for charities, including the Saving Hearts Foundation which works to prevent and education people on sudden cardiac arrest.

A raffle raised just over £120, with funds going towards the Upton charity Worcester Cancer Aid, which provides financial support for people who are financially unstable as a result of a cancer diagnosis.

Entertainment was provided by Red Sea Duo who entertained the attendees with acoustic music of pop hits.

The awards took place on Tuesday night (March 19) at Malvern Town FC in Langland Avenue, Malvern and are part of a Five Year Plan by Malvern Hills District Council to improve the health and well being of its people.

Entertainment was provided by Red Sea Duo who entertained the attendees with acoustic music of pop hits.

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