COMMUNITY spirit was at the forefront of the celebrations at the Star of the Year Awards, organised by a housing provider, Homes in Sedgemoor.

The awards were hosted by ITV News broadcaster Ben McGrail at The Canalside in Bridgwater on Thursday, October 6.

The event saw Homes in Sedgemoor name its young hero of the year, unsung hero of the year, community impact group of the year, and overall star of the year.

The work of the provider's garden competition winners and its ‘involved customers’ was also highlighted.

Peter Hatch, Homes in Sedgemoor CEO, said: “Our first-ever Star of the Year Awards was an inspirational evening which really highlighted the importance of community.

“All of our nominees were worthy winners and that made it so hard to choose the finalists.

“We feel so proud to have these incredible individuals in our Homes in Sedgemoor community and to know them all on a personal level.”

John Hardy and his guide dog Sidney took the title award in recognition of their efforts setting up The Hub at Bridgwater, which has become a home for many of the town's community groups and organisations.

Bridgwater Mercury: John Hardy collect his award at the Homes in Sedgemoor Star Awards.John Hardy collect his award at the Homes in Sedgemoor Star Awards. (Image: Homes in Sedgemoor)

He helped to raise £35,000 to renovate a space within Angel Place Shopping Centre. His work with The Hub also supports homeless people and those needing help moving into new accommodation.

When he collected his award, John expressed his passion for helping all people who need it, regardless of their background. 

Other winners include 13-year-old Brooke, who took home the young hero of the year award after raising hundreds of pounds for health charities through tea, coffee, cake and craft sales, plus tombolas and raffles. 

Brooke said she is now planning an event to raise money for eating disorder charities. 

Sydenham Improvement Group took the prize for the community group impact award, with their spokesman Lewis Hayes explaining that it was vital to engage young people early on.

The local residents' association has run, organised and supported several events and initatives such as a local food pantry, Christmas lunch, litter picks, and tree plantings.

The unsung hero award went to Kat Redding. Kat was nominated by her neighbour, who she helped with daily tasks throughout a personal crisis.

Her neighbour said: “There aren't many who would do that for a total stranger. The little things mean a lot.” 

Bridgwater Mercury: All the recipients of Star Awards recognition.All the recipients of Star Awards recognition. (Image: Homes in Sedgemoor)

The event's headline sponsor was MD Group. Its executive director, Steve, Devlin, said: “Thank you so much for such a fantastic evening.

“It was great listening to everyone’s stories, and I was truly humbled by the amazing work they are doing in their local community.

“It made me proud to be the main event sponsor and I would have no hesitation in supporting the Star Awards again next year.”

The categories were sponsored by Sedgemoor District Council and We are Resource.

The ceremony was sponsored by Envrotec, Envirocall and Bradfords, while Voicespace also offered its support.