A HOST of heroes were celebrated for their contribution to the community in Teignmouth.

The annual Mayor’s Awards night, held at Bitton House, saw individuals and groups recognised as the town’s ‘unsung heroes’.

Mayor of Teignmouth Cllr Cate Williams said: ‘The chambers were packed and brimming with excitement as we came together to acknowledge the outstanding individuals who truly make a difference in our community.

'It was incredibly inspiring to see so many deserving nominees recognised for their hard work and dedication to Teignmouth and we are very lucky to have such selfless people in our community.’

Harry Hancock received the Young Hero award.

The Year 6 pupil at Hazeldown School was nominated for his efforts to help raise funds to support struggling local families.

A host of organisations were nominated as community champions including Teignmouth and River Teign Rowing Club, TCS Rocket Club and Teignmouth Beach Lifesaving Club.

Stewart Henchie, the Gardening Club and Friends of the Orangery were recognised for their commitment to managing and maintaining planters and flowers in Bitton Park.

The Volunteers at Alice Cross were nominated for being ‘true community champions at the heart of our community, giving their time and energy to keep this special place alive and flourishing’ and for getting National Lottery funding to secure its future for another five years.

J’s Academy, based at Richard Newton Hall, was recognised for providing martial arts training for youngsters who have gone on to train nationally and win international medals.

Individual excellence recognition went to Alan Riley for his outstanding dedication to and tireless efforts for Teignmouth British Legion and Poppy Appeal.

Harry Coleman was honoured for using land at his Shaldon allotment to grow organic vegetables for the Shaldon Wildlife Trust and supporting many people with a diverse range of disabilities and health conditions.

The Mayor’s Choice awards went to Jo Saxon for her contribution to three scout groups (Beavers, Scouts and Explorers), giving countless hours to planning activities, coordinating events and driving successful fundraising.

Individual awards went to accountant Dave Rudall; David and Sharon Asher for volunteering for the Larder; and to Brian Hall for his ‘unwavering dedication and service' to Remembrance, Armistice, and Battle of Britain events and the Poppies to Paddington service.

Other rewarded volunteers were Nikki Small, Sue Yates, Pat Henchie, Sheila Malynn and Nikki Engert.

Will Davis was presented with the Mayor’s Award for his commitment to tackling male loneliness in Teignmouth.

Last year, he set up the Men’s Chat and Brew group at the Alice Cross Centre, which now regularly welcomes 10 to 15 men who share hobbies, conversation, outings, building friendships and vital peer support.

Also recognised were Cat Middleton, Cheryl Keane, Lyn Lovelock and charity knitter Gloria Noyes.

Charlotte Bury’s fund-raising achievements were also celebrated. After the death of her husband Andy, she took on a fund-raising walk for the RNLI in his memory and in her work as a physiotherapist, joined her colleagues in the Race For Life subsequently helping establish a hospital running club.