MORE than 120 people attended an awards evening to celebrate the work of volunteers across East Hampshire.
The East Hampshire Volunteer Awards recognised volunteers who dedicate so much of their time to help others.
Organised by Community First and East Hampshire District Council, it took place at the Festival Hall in Petersfield last Wednesday and celebrated the dedication and enthusiasm of volunteers who make such a difference to the lives of so many.
The evening featured speeches from chief executive of the district council Sandy Hopkins, chief executive of Community First Tim Houghton and a video speech from?East Hampshire MP Damian Hinds.
Six awards were up for grabs including the Unsung Hero award which was won by Steven Dewey, chairman of the East Petersfield Community Group – an active and successful residents association with more than 200 members.
Steven has worked tirelessly over the last few years to improve the area for all residents.
Projects include fundraising for an astroturf football pitch for young people, setting up a Streetwatch patrol, purchasing a speed limit regulator to tackle speeding traffic and holding litter picks.
Four Marks and Medstead Rotary Club won the Small?Team of the Year award.
The club has been supporting the young carers project at the King’s Arms Youth Project in Petersfield since last year.
The club supports the project through fundraising and members raised money to send one of the young carers on a residential trip.
The Large Team of the Year award was won by Home-Start Butser.
The group has 60 volunteers, all of whom are recruited from the community, trained and then matched with a family which has young children.
Other awards presented included the Young Person of the Year award, won by Alex Rhodes, from the Whitehill and Bordon Youth Project; the Lifetime Achievement Award, won by Norma Day from Ropley; and the Special Commendation award, won by Lisa Hillan, from Alton, who helps run the Alton Beer Festival.