COMMUNITY champions who have gone above and beyond have been recognised in Bromsgrove.

The Community Heroes Awards winners were announced this month in a celebration evening for all they do for their communities.

Nominees across all the categories in the new night, organised by the local authority, gathered at Bromsgrove Rugby Club.

Bromsgrove Business Award winner Mark EastwoodBromsgrove Business Award winner Mark Eastwood (Image: BDC)

The awards debuted this year to celebrate those in the community who were going above and beyond to combat anti-social behaviour and the negative impacts it can have.

There were four categories - the Youth Award, Communities Award, Business Award, and Extra Mile Award.

Bromsgrove Youth Award winner Kay ParkerBromsgrove Youth Award winner Kay Parker (Image: BDC)

Winners included Mark Eastwood and Mark Goddard in the Business category.

The Youth Category award was presented to Kay Parker from Woodrush Youth & Community Centre, whilst Reach Out Bromsgrove and Kayleigh Fitzgerald were also commended for their achievements. Community Heroes in the Community category was Catshill Community Club, along with The Respect Mentors and Louise Smith from BDHT being recognised for all they have done in the community.

The Extra Mile Community Hero Award was presented to Kirsty Pascoe for her work on the Bromsgrove Schools’ Police Panel, with an additional Special Recognition award being extended to the Bromsgrove Street Pastors.

Special Recognition Award for the Bromsgrove Street PastorsSpecial Recognition Award for the Bromsgrove Street Pastors (Image: BDC)

The event was attended by community groups, along with representatives from West Mercia Police, the Safer Bromsgrove Group, and Bromsgrove District Council’s Community Safety team.

Judith Willis, Bromsgrove District Council’s head of community and housing services, said: “Reducing anti-social behaviour and the impacts it can have on our community is a really important mission of those who gathered at the awards evening.

“It was a real privilege to be able to see the people behind the excellent initiatives that the Community Heroes Awards celebrated and be able to give them the recognition they deserve.”

Bromsgrove Community Award winners Catshill Community HubBromsgrove Community Award winners Catshill Community Hub (Image: BDC)

Cabinet member for environmental services and community safety, councillor Peter Whittaker, added: “I want to extend a massive congratulations to all those who were nominated for awards and an additional well done to those who were crowned winners.

“Everyone showed incredible devotion to the cause of reducing anti-social behaviour.”