Heroes celebrated at Make a Difference awards

The awards were held at the Birmingham Hippodrome

A binman who saved three people from a fire and a businessman who brought thousands of people to his town by selling jacket potatoes are among those who were recognised at BBC Radio WM's Make a Difference awards.

Local heroes were celebrated across eight categories at the Birmingham Hippodrome on Monday.

The awards were handed out by BBC Radio WM presenters Sarah Julian and Kath Stanczyszyn.

Judges of this year's awards were Nick Owen, Dame Julie Moore, Dave Heeley, Matt Slack, Darren Harriott, Richie Anderson, Rebbecca Wood and Ellie Simmonds.

For the third year running, BBC Local received a record number of entries and nominations for the awards, celebrating ordinary people and, for the first time, animals doing extraordinary things in their communities.

In total there are 38 ceremonies taking place across the country, throughout September.

The aim of the awards is to shine a light on the everyday, unsung heroes who go the extra mile for others in their own community.

From the hundreds of nominations, a shortlist was drawn up and a winner chosen by a special panel of judges.

Marva and Lionel Warmington won the carer award for their work fostering children

Marva and Lionel Warmington from Birmingham took home the carer award.

They have been foster carers for 38 years and have helped more than 150 children.

"I thought there was a better way to care for children and young people, and that was nearly 30 years ago," said Mrs Warmington.

Winner of the animal award was Raven's Rescue in Dudley, which helps animals in need across the Black Country.

"We save who we can when we can. Without the support and the team we can’t save lives, so thank you," said Sarah Raven Price, who runs the rescue.

Sam Steele took home the volunteer award

Sam Steele, from Kingstanding, runs a club for adults with learning disabilities, and won the volunteer award.

When she took the group on, it had four members and it was being shut down. There are now more than 45 members.

"It's not just meeting twice a week, it's above and beyond that," she said.

"Some feel like I'm their mum, most of the time, to be honest, I feel like it too."

The good neighbour award went to Rosalind Taroni, from Shard End, Birmingham.

She was recognised for spending her life helping nearby neighbours.

"I love doing what I do, and I intend to do it for a long time. I do it from the goodness of my heart."

Tiktok sensation Ben Newman, better known as Spudman, won the community award for attracting thousands of visitors to Tamworth, where he lives, to get a taste of his famous jacket potatoes.

"We have people flying in from all over the world to come and get a jacket potatoes, and they're spending money in the town and supporting businesses, and that's what's important," he said.

"I love Tamworth, I’ve been here 22 years and I want to be here another 22 years."

Prof Rashid Gatrad, from Walsall, was the recipient of the green award.

He founded the group World Against Single Use Plastic (WASUP).

Steve Whitehouse won the bravery award after he risked his life to save three others

Binman Steve Whitehouse, from Tipton, risked his own life to save three people from a fire he spotted when doing his rounds.

It was this heroic act that saw him take home the bravery award.

"I just did what I had to do, I was there at the right time," he said.

"The story is, I helped them, and I went around the corner to Greggs for a cup of tea."

Winner of the fundraiser award was Jules Armstrong, from Cannock.

She fundraises all year to raise money for Christmas gifts for underprivileged children across the West Midlands.

"Every child under seven we get a cuddly toy for, because we believe they want comfort," she said.