UNSUNG heroes in Brentwood received the recognition they deserve at the first community awards run by Brentwood County High School.
Lollipop people, a foster mum, a band leader and a tireless student fundraiser were among the winners of the awards which aim to highlight the work of ordinary people across the borough.
Nominations came from staff, parents, and school heads. A panel of students, parents, governors and staff selected the winners, who were invited to attend a gala presentation evening.
Brentwood County High head teacher Stephen Drew said: "We were delighted to have received so many excellent nominations. The chance to recognise truly amazing people is a privilege we are honoured to have.
"It was a truly wonderful experience to share an evening with our award winners. The contribution they make to our school community and to the town as a whole is second to none. We are always conscious of our place at the centre of our community and the fact that our successes are built on the work of those in the wider community as well as our own parents, students and staff."
Iain Gunn, head of St Peters CofE Primary in South Weald, nominated the winners of the Individual Service Award, Gerry and Brenda Williams, for their devotion to their duties as crossing patrol officers at the two crossings close to the school in Wigley Bush Lane.
He said: "If ever an award was truly deserved it is this one. Although they are only paid from 8.10am, Mr and Mrs Williams often arrive as early as 7.40am to make sure children going to clubs can cross the road safely. Mr Williams has been unwell but rarely misses work. They are true community heroes."
Ardent fundraiser George Petty, 15, who has collected £10,000 for Great Ormond Street Hospital since 2010, scooped the Student Award.
He was nominated by his parents, Beverley and Lee Petty. Mrs Petty said: "George has organised three race nights for the hospital now, with very minimal help from anyone else.
"He is also a massive help to Basildon Round Table. Although too young to join, he helps out at the annual fireworks event and in the run up to Christmas he is out every night collecting money on their sleigh routes around Basildon.
"George is always willing to help anyone, especially when it comes to raising money, but in lots of other respects too. We are so proud of him."
George told the Gazette: "I feel privileged to receive this award and have my efforts recognised. I honestly enjoy raising the money and helping to increase the profile of the charities that I support."
Founder of The Royal British Legion Youth Band John Wyndham MBE collected the Youth Organisation Award.
He was nominated by mum Christine Dunning. She said: "Kids are welcome regardless of ability or if they have an instrument. They rehearse twice a week and it costs just £1 a session. They travel all over the world performing. John reaches a huge number of kids, getting great behaviour and commitment from them."
John told the Gazette: "I was surprised to hear I had been nominated but it is a great honour. I am very chuffed."
County High's learning support mentor Olive Irwin nominated the winner of the Parent/Carer award, foster mum Cathy Pullinger.
Mrs Irwin said: "Cathy is a model parent. She has proven herself to be an excellent foster mother to one of our students, being totally supportive not only of academic work but also the student's extra-curricular activities."
Brentwood County High's community science technician Tina Mitchell collected the BCHS in the Community Award for her work in primary schools.
John Howells, head teacher at Hogarth Primary, nominated Mrs Mitchell, saying: "She is such a positive influence in supporting our pupils and teachers in delivering science investigations to our school so readily and successfully. She is happy to go that extra mile for us."
Mrs Mitchell told the Gazette: "It's lovely when someone appreciates your work. I adore my job and love going out to the primary schools and working with their staff and pupils. I could not do it half as well without my colleague Jacqui Hopwood, who looks after the administration."
Ian Kemble received the Organisation Award for his work with the Brentwood Schools Christian Workers Trust, which provides mentoring, lunchtime clubs, assemblies and support for struggling students at Brentwood County High and other schools.
Organiser of Recoil, the Warley-based Trampoline Club, Tricia Sharpe won the Sports Award for enabling both disabled and able children to participate at a variety of levels, while the Shenfield Common Conservators claimed the Environmental Award.
They were nominated by Mr Drew, who said: "The environment around our school is protected by the great work of the conservators. We exist in an oasis of nature and this enhances our young people's experience of school. In the 21st century their work is more important than ever."
