Herefordshire has a lot to be proud about.

That was the message from the 2018 Community Champion Awards winners.

The awards, hosted in partnership with Cargill, were established by Councillor Brian Wilcox, chairman of Herefordshire Council, to recognise the exceptional community contributions made by individuals and groups across the county.

The awards ceremony, held last Friday at Hereford town hall, was a celebration of the time and commitment made to local communities by 13 Herefordshire residents and five local groups.

All finalists were invited to a formal dinner and the Dowager Countess of Darnley, Her Majesty’s lord lieutenant for Herefordshire, presented the winners with £500, a personalised trophy and certificate – all made possible by Cargill’s support.

The Strong Young Minds group were named youth champions, while Karen Usher and David Sheppard took the volunteer champion trophy.

Emma Jones was crowned environment champion, Julie Cartmell was picked as the caring champion for her work with the Samaritans and Edgar Whitely was named community champion.

Coun Wilcox said: “The community champion awards celebrate the marvellous voluntary work that so many selfless people do for their local communities.

“There was a 50% increase in nominations this year and judging the selections was harder than ever. Our finalists represent everything that is good about Herefordshire’s supportive community, but there are many other nominees who could have been finalists as well.

“Thank you to everyone who selflessly helps others and their communities – these groups are the backbone of our communities and we are privileged to have them in our county.”