They work tirelessly with pride and have never wanted thanking – meet the 41 individuals, organisations and businesses making a difference in Stowmarket.

Smiling faces dominated the room at the Regal Theatre when the winners of the gold and silver Stowmarket Town Awards were announced.

Last month Cedars Park Community Centre hosted the overall winners night. But on Sunday afternoon it was time to recognise the many others who were successfully nominated.

Gerard Brewster, town mayor, speaking at the awards, said: “Tonight is a continuing celebration of our town, Stowmarket and the achievements and contributions of some very special people who live work and play in the town. It is fair to say that we have been simply but very pleasantly overwhelmed by the response to the awards this year; it really struck an accord with our local community.

“The nominations have come from the community; people they know, respect and they see what they’re doing.”

From Young Person of the Year to Sportsperson of the Year awards – people of all ages and occupations were honoured at the Stowmarket Town Council event, which was sponsored and supported by the EADT and its sister paper, the Stowmarket Mercury.

Pedro Perez, site manager for the main award sponsors, PPG, said: “When Stowmarket Town Council approached us about it we immediately knew we wanted to be part of it. I must congratulate everyone for their effort and contributions and for helping and aspiring people in the future.”

One of the gold winners of the Pride of Stowmarket Award was Abbots Hall Primary School.

Rachel Bailey, headteacher, said: “We’re thrilled that the school has received the award and proud to be part of Stowmarket. We’re very pleased that the school is seen as a central part of the community.”

Martyn Bonner, group Scout leader of 1st and 3rd Stowmarket Scouts received a gold award for Community Hero of the Year. He has worked to raise £140,000 for a major refurbishment of their Scout Hall in Milton Road North.

He said: “I did not expect anything; it was a pleasant surprise. I am obviously very happy that the work we have done at the Scout Hall has been recognised. I am very pleased to accept it on behalf of all the volunteers who have helped to get the Scout Hall to where it is now.”

In the Kind Neighbour of the Year category, Sally Craig , received the gold award. For around seven years she helped the late reverend, Leslie Haywood, close to her home in Elizabeth Way.

She said: “I have not done anything to get any recognition, I did it because they are a lovely family and I love Leslie; he was an incredible character. We are lucky to have close community support in our road, there are very few newcomers which is a good because everyone knows everyone; it’s a good neighbourhood and I do miss Leslie.”

This was the first time the awards have been held – with the council recently voting to hold the event biennially.

A host of businesses from the town came together to support and also sponsor the event.