Make a Difference awards honour community heroes

Trevor won the Animal award for his support to children and patients at Primrose Hospice in Redditch

Community heroes across Herefordshire and Worcestershire were honoured at the BBC's Make a Difference Awards.

The event, held at West Midlands Safari Park, celebrated local people for being inspirational volunteers and great neighbours, as well as their dedication to keeping their communities clean.

Included in the eight categories were the best fundraiser, young hero, active members of the community, and a special award dedicated to the most supportive animal.

The Volunteer category went to Phil Lacey for being "an inspiring hero". Mr Lacey was called a "natural leader" driven by his compassion, creativity and sense of purpose.

He told the BBC he felt "humbled by the win", adding: "Its about giving back and just keeping the community spirit going."

Trevor, a support dog at Primrose Hospice, in Bromsgrove, who took home the Animal award for helping keep young people calm and happy.

Heather Coughlin, head of family support at the hospice, said: "I feel overwhelmed. He's been with us at the hospice since he was 12 weeks old.

"He's now 13 and a half - he's about 91 in our years and he's still working four days a week. He comes in with and supports patient, children and families and just makes us all smile. We're all very proud of him."

Gill Punt began fundraising for cancer charities after losing her dad at a young age to bile duct cancer.

Gill Punt, from Bromsgrove, won the Fundraiser award for raising over £1 million for cancer charities.

Ms Punt won after being nominated by her daughter, who was inspired by her "unpaid voluntary missions" for a world without cancer.

Nigel Watson, chair of local running club Redditch Stars won the Active award for his "exceptional dedication" to his community and Primrose Hospice.

Mr Watson's nomination said he raised significant funds for the hospice through the club, as well as sharing his own journey with prostate cancer.

The judges said: "For me [Mr Watson] has shown time and time again how determined he is to help others even when he is going through hardships himself.

"He is an incredible athlete and inspires others by example. It's people like [him] that make this world a better place."

Members of the Friends of Tolladine volunteer group collected their award for helping put the Worcester estate "on the map".

Volunteer group Friends of Tolladine, from Worcester, took home the Community award after being nominated for helping the estate to be seen in a "positive light".

The winning entry said: "This group has come together and given people what they want and beaten the odds.

"The group have recently been constituted and are working with partners to arrange multiple events on the estate to bring the community together."

Angela Grey won the Great Neighbour award by the local residents of Betforton, in Worcestershire.

She was nominated for being a "pillar" of the community and "constantly thinking of others".

Speaking to Radio Hereford & Worcester, she said the win was "overwhelming".

"I've never been one to look for the limelight. I never expected to be in that sort of position. It'll all sink in in about a weeks time

"I just live in such a wonderful place. I step out the door in the morning, say hello to people I know and the day starts on the right foot."

Angela Gray won after being nominated by the people of Bretforton, for always putting others first.

John Hawley won the Green award for his "non-stop perseverance" in removing litter from the streets.

The Hereford resident volunteers with the community clean up group on weekends due to his "passion" for helping the environment, collecting 14 bags of rubbish every time he goes out.

The judge said he was chosen for his "incredible dedication to keeping our community clean", calling him a "true local hero".

John Hawley won the Green award for actively keeping the streets of Hereford clean

The Young Hero award went to Redditch resident Isaac who was dubbed an "absolute credit" to his community.

The teenager started a food bank on the driveway of his family home when he was nine years old to help feed people who could not afford to eat during the pandemic.

He is now the owner of five large sheds around the area to help feed the local community, helping around 300 families a week.

His nomination said: " Isaac is a wonderful young man who was born with a chromosomal disorder, learning difficulties and is severely dyslexic.

"He is an absolute credit to the Redditch community and works so hard after school and at weekends to raise funds and keep his food banks stocked for all who needs his help".

Isaac won the Young Hero award after starting a food bank, aged 9, in his driveway during the pandemic