Published: Friday, 24th March 2017

More than 30 local people received awards across eight categories.

The worthy winners received certificates and a small gift from the Leader of the Council, Cllr Denise Hyland, who was joined by Mayor of Royal Greenwich Councillor Olu Babatola.

The fifth annual awards ceremony, which was held at Woolwich Town Hall last night (Thursday 23 March 2017), was hosted by Chief Executive John Comber and included a performance from the Woolwich Singers.

View the photos of the awards ceremony

Community award

The leaders of the Greenwich Volunteer Police Cadets - Ugur Celikbilek, Kieren Gentleman, Karen Stapley, Amanda Wixon, Andrew Wixon and Mike Price - were among eight winners in the community category in recognition of giving up countless weekends and evenings to run the unit.

Pastor Michael Olawore, of the New Wine Church, received the award for the organisation's activities and initiatives which support the local community and beyond.

Surinder Kaur Virdee, of the Guru Nanak Bhai Lalo Khalsa School, was recognised for creating a fully inclusive school.

Louisa Le Marchand was awarded for her work with Global Fusion.

Penny Rockall was recognised for volunteering with Charlton Athletic Community Trust.

Agnes Forde, the first President of Irish Community Services and President of Greenwich Irish Pensioners Association, won for inspiring others and being a great ambassador.

Young person's outstanding achievement award

The winner of the young person's outstanding achievement award was Chad Ndebele who has worked tirelessly as an advocate and ambassador for LGBTQ young people both in the Royal Borough and across the country.

Volunteer award

There were five winners in the volunteer award category including Gyan Tamang, a highly respected member of the Nepalese community who was rewarded for his work helping elderly veterans in and around Plumstead.

Sue Tucker and Alison Ikpitan won for their efforts making up Christmas food hampers, running a group which gives people items of clothing and furniture plus also fundraising for the London Air Ambulance.

Hazera Jannath Rahman and Hayley Downes were both recognised for their work with Volunteers Supporting Families.

The Now's the Time Volunteer Team in Thamesmead won for encouraging people to take part in physical activity in their local community.

Business award

The Plumstead Pantry was one of three winners in the business award category for its buzzing community feel.

More 2 Childcare also won for its local drop in centre which contains a work hub for parents.

Archery Fit, an indoor club also won for it's efforts introducing over 3,000 people to the sport.

Courage award

There were six winners in the act of courage category. These included Emma Benet, PC Marcus Sinkinson and PC Ben Cochrane, who together helped save a young boy and his dog when they fell through the ice at Sutcliffe Park Pond.

Vasil Nakov and Sonya Angelova, also received the award for tackling an armed robber to the ground and restraining him until the police arrived.

James Yeoburn was also recognised for rescuing an elderly neighbour and her dog from a fire.

Sporting achievement award

The three winners in the sporting achievement category included Paralympic silver medallist Matthew Robertson who achieved a personal best and national record at this year's cycling championships.

Susannah Rodgers, who is Greenwich's most decorated athlete and a key ambassador for Greenwich Starting Blocks was also a winner.

As was Daryll Neita, a Team GB athlete who was the youngest member of the 4x100 metre relay squad to win a bronze medal at Rio 2016.

Arts and entertainment award

Brigadier Ken Timbers won the arts and entertainment award for giving his time and expertise to the Royal Greenwich Heritage Trust as the lead adviser on their new permanent exhibition, Making Woolwich: The Royal Regiment of Artillery in Woolwich. Ken is a scholar about Woolwich's rich history and is a former curator at the Royal Artillery's Rotunda Museum as well as previously working as both a staff member and trustee at the former Firepower Museum.

Lifetime achievement award

Four incredible people won the lifetime achievement award. Nick Edwards, who is currently chair of governors at both Pound Park Nursery and Fossdene Primary School, was recognised for working voluntarily for many years to deliver the very best for children and families.

Charles Roper Medhurst, 91, won for being a bastion of the community, and raising thousands of pounds for the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal over the decades.

Phyllis Iwowo was rewarded for continuing to support patients as a practice nurse at Ferryview Health Centre and at Bannockburn Health Centre aged 83.

Metro Judo Club, based at Thomas Tallis School, also won for its tremendous service to the borough since it was formed 40 years ago, with members competing at over 60 countries worldwide for the club, England and Great Britain.

Celebrating our local heroes

Leader of the Royal Borough Councillor Denise Hyland said: "The Civic Awards celebrate our unsung local heroes and organisations who dedicate their time to helping others. Their efforts provide an incredible example and truly make the Royal Borough such a great place.

"We should be proud of all our winners as well as thankful for their tireless hard work. I would also like to thank everyone who took the time to make a nomination."

Mayor of the Royal Borough Councillor Olu Babatola added: "These awards showcase people who help their community and beyond. Judging the nominations was a difficult task because the standard was so high so I would like to congratulate every one of our winners for their efforts."