Pendley Manor was swollen with Pride last night at the inaugural Pride in Dacorum awards.
Hundreds of people turned up to the beautiful hotel complex in Tring to see their friends, family and colleagues recognised for the valuable work they do in the community.
The awards, organised by Premier Newspapers, publishers of the Gazette and the Herald Express, were created to give us – and you – the opportunity to recognise those people who work so hard to help others and to shout about their achievements.
For the last few months we have been asking you to nominate those you felt deserved recognition. A winner in each category was then picked by the judges, along with a People’s Choice award voted for by you. Those lucky winners received their awards at Thursday night’s glittering ceremony.
Actor Ricky Groves, better known as Gary Hobbs from BBC soap EastEnders, was the compere for the evening.
He said: “I think we have proved that here in Dacorum there is a great deal to be proud of and I would like to add my congratulations to all the people who were nominated for an award.
“I would also like to thank everyone for their hard work and dedication in making their part of Dacorum extra special.
Andrew Williams, the leader of Dacorum Borough Council, added: “What we have always known is we have an awful lot to be proud of in Dacorum and the council is very grateful for all the work people do,
“The effort people put in is the envy of many places and your contribition is extremely valuable.”
And Gazette deputy editor Wes Smith said: “What a fantastic evening. Dacorum really does have an awful lot to be proud about – congratulations to everyone involved.”
The winners were:
Bravery Award, sponsored by Elegant Car Hire and Phoenix Office Solutions: Dave Stokes
Care in the Community award, sponsored by Murdock Care Services: Hemel Hempstead Child Care Centre
Excellence in Education, sponsored by Tesco Tring: Broadfield Primary School
Friendly Neighbour Award, sponsored by London Luton Airport: Joan Knight
Fundraiser of the Year award, sponsored by Asda Hemel Hempstead: Peter Churchill
Raising the Profile of Dacorum award, sponsored by Dacorum Borough Council: Maylands Partnership
Service with a Smile Award, sponsored by Specsavers: Discount Tyres And Exhausts
Unsung Hero award, sponsored by Beard Brothers: Mildred Lowe
Young Achiever award, sponsored by West Herts College: Charlie Bicknell
The People’s Choice Award, sponsored by Virgin Holidays: Jackie Jackson