UNSUNG heroes from across Tendring district have been recognised at an awards ceremony.

A total of 19 recipients, representing a range of organisations and charities, received their accolades at the Pride of Tendring Awards ceremony on Friday evening. The event was held at Clacton’s Princes Theatre and was attended by more than 200 people.

Now in its second year, the aim of the awards is to shine a light on people who have made a real difference to their community. Award winners are nominated by Tendring district councillors.

According to council chairman Danny Mayzes the event was an “uplifting occasion”.

He said: “We are very fortunate in Tendring to have so many residents who freely give up so much of their time to carry out their amazing voluntary work from various fields; from heritage and history to education and youth work – and many more,” he said.

“Over the past two years we have honoured 39 very deserving recipients but it is only the tip of the iceberg – there are so many more ‘hidden’ heroes and heroines out there who deserve our thanks and praise for what they do to improve the lives of others across the Tendring District.

“What came across very strongly was that those who collected awards were quick to point out that they were doing so on behalf of the team of people they worked with and that they could not do it without them.”

The event was hosted by Lee Thompson, from young persons charity the Jack Petchey Foundation, while those who presented awards included Bernard Jenkin MP, Baroness Jenkin of Kennington and Andy Greenleaf of Dong Energy, who sponsored the evening.

The award winners received a pin badge and tickets for Princes Theatre.

Cllr Mayzes added: “I hope it was a night to remember for the recipients – it was certainly one of the highlights of my year as chairman.”