COMMUNITY heroes were crowned in the first ever Pride of Cumbria awards which took place last Thursday.

The awards, which are ran by Newsquest's the News & Star, The Mail, The Cumberland News, The Westmorland Gazette, the Times & Star, The Whitehaven News and the Cumberland and Westmorland Gazette were designed to help thank those in the community who help to make Cumbria the amazing place that it is.

The night was hosted in a virtual capacity by radio DJ Danny Matthews, best known for presenting on Heart - formerly The Bay.

After an introductory message from Newsquest’s Regional Group Editor Vanessa Sims, Danny Matthews introduced those who made the shortlist for all 11 categories, which included; Neighbour of the Year, Young Person of the Year, Community Business of the Year, Charity of the Year, NHS Worker of the Year, Caring for the Community Award, Covid-19 Community Champion, Education Hero of the Year, Keyworker of the Year and Community Group of the Year.

Each winner was announced by their category sponsor; The Cumberland, GSK, David Allen, LOCALiQ, NRL, Cumbria Tourism, Pirelli, University of Cumbria, Stagecoach and the Cumbria Police and Crime Commissioner respectively.

A final award was given at the end of the night for Outstanding Contribution of the Year, which was sponsored by both NRL and GSK.

Smiles beamed from the shortlisters as they awaited the results, and happy tears were shed throughout the night as the winners were revealed.

Some quietly celebrated their victory, whilst others had friends and family burst on screen to congratulate them.

Cumbrian theatre group Razzamataz provided the evening entertainment, singing two incredible songs for the audience.

Speaking during the awards, Vanessa Sims, editor of News & Star, The Mail, The Cumberland News, The Westmorland Gazette, the Times & Star, The Whitehaven News and the Cumberland and Westmorland Gazette, said: “It's been incredibly tough for everyone but our amazing Cumbrian spirit has shone through.

"Our incredible communities and individuals have been nothing less than awe-inspiring and our hats go off to every single one of you.

"And it's such a delight to pause tonight to celebrate and honour your incredible work with these awards."