Unsung community heroes from across Tendring have been honoured in a local awards scheme.

A total of 17 people and groups have been chosen to receive Pride of Tendring Awards in recognition of their work, whether it is charity fundraising, organising community events and groups, and even saving lives.

Winners of the awards, set up in 2011 by Tendring District Council (TDC), were revealed today and they will be presented with their accolades at a ceremony on February 5 at Clacton Town Hall.

Among the winners this year is Caroline Shearer, from Clacton, who founded the Only Cowards Carry anti-knife crime charity after the fatal stabbing of her son Jay Whiston in 2012.

The charity works with a number of local schools on awareness schemes about the dangers of carrying knives, and had the county’s first knife amnesty bin installed in Clacton.

Other award winners include the Manningtree First Responders, a team of 24 volunteers who get to local incidents before ambulance crews can to give life support and who have, since their founding in 2005, answered around 2,000 calls.

John Smock, chairman of the ONTRACK rail users’ association which represents passengers on the Walton and Clacton to Colchester lines, has also been recognised.

Wildlife volunteers are strongly represented this year with awards for the Thorrington Wildlives animal sanctuary founder Rosie Catford, Sioux Thorpe who founded the Harwich troop of the Horse Rangers’ Association, and Keith and his late wife Rachel Jelly who set up the North Essex Horse Rescue Unit at Thorrington in 1984. Rachel passed away last year.

Fred Nicholls, TDC chairman, said: “Once again we are in a position where we have a fantastic list of nominations put forward – all very worthy winners who have contributed so much.

“It is only right and proper we take time in this way to remember all those people who do so much for others and recognise their achievements with a small thank you on behalf of all those they support.

“Quite often these unsung heroes are involved in helping the most vulnerable members of our society and we truly thank them for their amazing efforts.”

Winners are nominated by district councillors.