Heroes in the community honoured at Pride In Beds

EastEnders star Nitin Ganatra hosted the evening and presented the awards with help from our sponsors of the night, including headline sponsor the Harpur Trustin association with Costa Coffee.

A raffle was held in aid of The Children’s Air Ambulance.

People who have shown high levels of bravery, courage and those who constantly go the extra mile for others were among those recognised at Thursday night’s awards ceremony, held at Bedford Corn Exchange,

Here is a list of all our winners and ‘highly commended’ runners-up.

Care in the Community, sponsored by bpha: winner Clare Neville, highly commended Shirley Bianco

Service with a Smile, sponsored by Bedfordshire Business Women: winner Linda Robinson, Keech Hospice, highly commended Fizzie Heseltine

Young Achiever, sponsored by the Harpur Trust: winner Wayne Instrell, highly commended Sarah Long and Caroline Hall, Bedford Modern School

Friendly Neighbour, sponsored by Eagle: winner Joe Biney, highly commended St Augustines Residents Association (SARA)

Excellence in Education, sponsored by McDonalds: winner Nicola King, highly commended Wendy Hill

Raising the Profile of the Town, sponsored by Nisa Local: winner John Bunyan Boat, B&MK Waterways Trust, highly commended James Pharoah, Bedfringe

Fundraiser of the year, sponsored by financial and mortgage consultants Mayfair: winner Bedford School Charities Committee, highly commended Jacqueline Sage-Passant

Outstanding Example of Bravery, sponsored by Stanair: winner Liz Taylor, highly commended Matthew King

Unsung Hero/Heroine, sponsored by charted accountants Keens Shay Keens Limited: winner Midshires Search Team, highly commended Robert Elgie

And finally The People’s Choice Award goes to Fizzie Heseltine