THE Pride of Cumbria sponsors were bowled over by the amazing stories of all the nominees.

Many sponsors chose to give a short speech before announcing the winner.

EDUCATION: Ruth Harrison-Palmer of the University of Cumbria

EDUCATION: Ruth Harrison-Palmer of the University of Cumbria

University of Cumbria sponsored Education Hero of the Year.

Ruth Harrison-Palmer, director of the institute of education at the University of Cumbria said: "Everyone working in the education sector over the last year is a hero in my eyes.

"Supporting children, families and communities across our county throughout the many, many challenges the pandemic has presented.

"This award will go to someone who has gone above and beyond in the last year.”

SPONSOR: Donna Jennings of GSK

SPONSOR: Donna Jennings of GSK

GSK sponsored Young Person of the Year

Donna Jennings, business change lead at GSK said: “The award we are proud to sponsor is the Young Person of the Year.

"A fabulous opportunity to reward and recognise young talent who have gone above and beyond in our community.”

TIRES: Megan Pledger, training and development officer at Pirelli

TYRES: Megan Pledger, training and development officer at Pirelli

Pirelli sponsored Covid-19 Community Champion of the Year.

Megan Pledger, training and development officer at Pirelli said: "Pirelli sponsored the Covid-19 Community Champion award to recognise the great efforts of individuals in the local community.

"Covid-19 has had a devastating impact on many people and as an employer with high regard for health, safety and the welfare of its employees we are delighted to sponsor the award."

COMMISSIONER: Cumbria’s PCC Peter McCall

COMMISSIONER: Cumbria’s PCC Peter McCall

The Cumbria Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) sponsored Community Group of the Year.

Cumbria's PCC Peter McCall said: "We sponsored the Community Group of the Year award because for me this is about communities making a stronger and safer Cumbria, and it's by us all working together that we make everything about our area and our communities stronger and more resilient."

STAGECOACH: Rob Jones of Stagecoach

STAGECOACH: Rob Jones of Stagecoach

Stagecoach sponsored Keyworker of the Year.

Rob Jones, managing director for Stagecoach North Lancashire and Cumbria, said: "As an organisation of several hundred keyworkers across Cumbria, I felt it was only right that we supported the tireless efforts of people throughout the pandemic, delivering essential services and support throughout all our local communities."

TOURISM: Gill Haigh from Cumbria Tourism

TOURISM: Gill Haigh from Cumbria Tourism

Cumbria Tourism sponsored the Caring for the Community award.

Gill Haigh, managing director of Cumbria Tourism said: "Lots of people have gone the extra mile during this last year. We've been really proud of what people have done but the winner of this category has been incredible."

NRL: Rebecca Graves of NRL

NRL: Rebecca Graves of NRL

NRL sponsored the NHS Worker of the Year award.

Rebecca Graves, director at NRL said: "Following an unprecedented 18 months in the face of a global pandemic, NRL felt honoured and proud to sponsor this evening's awards.

"Throughout Covid-19 our NHS workers have embodied bravery and selflessness, no more so than our nominees and winner. All of whom have been relentless in their outstanding care."

The Outstanding Contribution award was sponsored by both NRL and GSK.

The Cumberland sponsored Neighbour of the Year, LOCALiQ sponsored the Charity of the Year award.and David Allen sponsored the Community Business of the Year award.