Care providers, green innovators and charity champions were among the many deserving winners of awards recognising enterprise and public spirit.

Nominees for the Suffolk Coastal Business and Community Awards took an evening off their varied commitments to celebrate 18 months of success stories.

Judges had to whittle down more than 100 entries to find the eventual winners, announced during a black tie celebration at Kesgrave Hall. More than 40 businesses, groups and individuals were represented at this year’s event, hosted for the second time by comedian Steve Allen.

Suffolk Coastal District Council (SCDC) chairman Bob Snell presented the first award, for significant contribution in business over the last 40 years. The new Chairman’s Award, marking the anniversary of SCDC, went to Brafe Engineering.

Mr Snell said: “The range of industries, interests and activities represented in the district is impressive by any standards.

“It is wholly appropriate that we share our successes and reward innovation, hard work and community spirit.”

A total of 13 awards were presented for categories including Customer Focus, Services to the Community, People and Development, Encouraging Tourism and Charity Champion. Winners received an engraved trophy, with all finalists getting a bottle of Adnams champagne and certificate.

TJ Haworth-Culf, SCDC’s head of customers, communities and leisure, said: “The breadth of entries shows how ingenious, committed and effective we can be at making improvements and creating opportunities within our community.”

Lin Barnes, director of People Development Award winner, Christies Care, said: “I’m so proud of the team and thrilled that their hard work has been recognised.”

Nicola Cannon, owner of Customer Focus Award winner, Melton Day Nursery, said: “I’m delighted for my team. They deserve this recognition for believing in and working hard to create an outstanding, engaging and nurturing nursery.”

Geoff Dreher, chairman of Enabling Communities Award winner, the East Anglian Sailing Trust, said: “To win this award will hopefully help more people to hear about us and encourage more to enjoy sailing with us.”

Charity Champion, Mandy Hearle, who spent 2014 carrying out daily challenge to raise £15,000 for Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) in memory of Woodbridge medical student Poppy Harvey, said: “It’s not just me that has made this happen, the Harvey family have been with me all the way. We all won this award for Poppy and she would be delighted!”