Radio Somerset award honours parents who lost son to brain tumour

The awards were hosted by BBC Points West presenter Alex Lovell and BBC Radio Somerset's breakfast show presenter Charlie Taylor

A couple who have raised £1.3m for charity after the death of their son were among the winners at BBC Radio Somerset's Make a Difference Awards.

The awards recognise people who go above and beyond to help others.

Eight awards were presented at a ceremony at the Haynes Motor Museum near Sparkford.

The awards were hosted by BBC Points West presenter Alex Lovell and BBC Radio Somerset's breakfast show presenter Charlie Taylor.

Nicky and Neil Halford set up the charity Time is Precious after their son Ben died of a brain tumour

Nicky and Neil Halford set up the charity Time is Precious after their son Ben died of a brain tumour.

The charity funds equipment to help distract and entertain children during hospital stays.

Speaking at the ceremony, Nicky said: "We couldn't do it without all our supporters, the volunteers, every single person."

It is thought the project Ms Pitts is involved in saves four tonnes of food from going to waste every month in the town

The winner in the Green category was Terri Pitts, who was recognised for her work as coordinator for Frome's Community Fridge, the first of its kind in the country.

It is thought the project saves four tonnes of food from going to waste every month in the town.

Accepting the award, Ms Pitts said: "If every town copied us and did it in their town we could save so much food waste and people wouldn't go hungry."

The other winners were:

• The Volunteer Award - Matt Sainsbury: Chosen by Tommy Banner of the Wurzels for being 'Mr Ilminster' organising numerous events in the town through the year

• The Community Group - The Good Heart: The project aims to nurture, celebrate and spread kindness

• The Fundraiser Award - Neil and Nicky Halford - who raise money to provide extra entertainment for children in hospital

• The Carer Award - Lesley Gates, from Bridgwater turns her passion for cooking and making use of food

• The Great Neighbour Award - Mary Braddock improves life in Fivehead by maintaining the local footpaths and co-ordinates the village defibrillator scheme

• The Bravery Award - Finley Larcombe - The 11-year-old showed courage while undergoing extensive treatment for Leukaemia since he was first diagnosed aged eight

• The Green Award - Terri Pitts, for co-ordinating the community fridge to save food waste from going to landfill every week

• The Together Award - Natalie Dyson, who has helped match hundreds of Ukrainians with host families in Somerset

Highlights of the event will be broadcast on BBC Radio Somerset's breakfast show on Monday.