WEST Berkshire Council celebrated local heroes at an awards ceremony held last week.

Winners of the 2019 West Berkshire Council’s Community Champion Awards were announced during an awards ceremony at Shaw House on Monday, January 13.

Launched in September 2014, the awards recognise the valuable contribution local residents make to west Berkshire.

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There are four categories; Pat Eastop Junior Citizen of the Year Award, Volunteer of the Year; Community Group of the Year and the Lifetime Achievement Award.

Graham Pask, Chairman of West Berkshire Council, said: “I am delighted that we are able to recognise so many worthy people due to the fantastic response received for the awards.”

Joint winners Benjamin Kaesser and Finlay Beavan received the Pat Eastop Junior Citizen Award.

Benjamin Kaesser, 14, was nominated for his voluntary work with the young people who use Swings and Smiles.

Swings and Smiles is a service that provides a place to play for children with special needs.

The panel were impressed with Kaesser’s dedication and how much he is loved by the children who use the service.

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Finlay Beavan, 17, was nominated for his contributions to his local community, including a sponsored run to highlight the needs of the homeless.

It was clear to the panel that Beavan’s involvement in local community affairs illustrated perfectly the essence of a ‘junior citizen’ and his desire to improve where he lives.

Jana Little won the Volunteer of the Year award after being nominated by 7 people for setting up and running a local Terracycle scheme.

The scheme has diverted considerable waste from landfills and raised money for a local charity.

The winner of the Community Group of the Year was 4th Thatcham Cubs, who are a Scout Group for children with additional needs.

The panel was impressed by the strong sense of inclusion that the group provides, allowing children with special needs to take part in an activity that many children take for granted.

The late Colleen Walker and her daughter Jane Fairchild were the winners of the Lifetime Achievement Award.

The panel was incredibly impressed by the amount of money raised for local charities, exclusively for the Alexander Devine Children’s Hospice.

It is hoped that the award will celebrate the legacy left by Walker and her amazing group of crafters.

For more information visit: www.westberks.gov.uk/communitychampion.