Inspirational volunteers who make a difference to Sutton Coldfield’s community have been celebrated at an awards ceremony.

Royal Sutton Coldfield Town Council’s annual Community Awards recognise and reward some of the selfless, dedicated and hard-working groups and individuals who go the extra mile to support others.

Now in its third year, over 100 individuals and groups from the town were nominated for this year’s awards with three finalists in each category invited to the awards ceremony at Sutton Coldfield Town Hall.

The event, hosted by the Mayor of Sutton Coldfield Cllr David Allan, saw winners named in five categories: Good Citizen/Neighbour of the Year, Young Person of the Year, Volunteer of the Year, Community Event of the Year, Community Group of the Year.

Winner of Good Citizen/Neighbour of the Year is Lynn Jennings who spends much of her personal time volunteering with Ark Community Church making a positive difference to the lives of people in Mere Green.

The Young Person of the Year is Dawn Peters for her role as a young leader of the 6th Sutton Coldfield Scouts.

Winner of the Volunteer of the Year award is Jackie Benzecry who set up the Breast Friends Charity in 1995, to support those suffering with breast cancer and over the last 25 years has raised £1.6million.

The Community Group of the Year winner is CPR Counts, set up by Malcolm Robinson whose life was saved by a passing motorist after having a cardiac arrest. The small and dedicated team has given free two-hour life-saving training to over 1,000 residents in Sutton Coldfield.

Winner of the Community Event of Year is Carers United for their annual Carers Rights Day event at the United Reformed Church. Designed just for carers, the event offers advice and support and is an opportunity for pampering, lunch and entertainment.

As part of the 2019 Community Awards ceremony, Yaz Benson, founder and volunteer of Footsteps Counselling and Support Services, spoke about the charity’s very special work with local residents. The Mayor’s chosen charity for this year, Footsteps is based in Mere Green and is a free one-to-one counselling service.

Guests of the ceremony were treated upon arrival to the musical talents of students Alfie Bennett (piano) Jack Leatherbarrow (piano), Rebekah Hall (flute) and Szymon Arciszewski (clarinet), all from John Wilmott School.

Mayor David Allan said: “Sutton Coldfield has a long, proud and strong tradition of volunteers supporting every interest and all ages through social activities and support.

“The annual Community Awards are about celebrating, acknowledging and rewarding those who carry out the amazing community and voluntary work that helps make Sutton Coldfield such a wonderful place to live.

It was a privilege to be able thank some of the hundreds of volunteers across our royal town who so generously give their time, skill and enthusiasm to help others.”

Winners of each category received a glass trophy and certificate.