COMMUNITY champions of Winsford were lauded and given the ‘recognition they deserve’ at the annual Winsford Oscars last week.

The awards ceremony was held at the Lifestyle Centre on Friday, and town mayor, Cllr Steve Smith, who presented awards, said he was delighted to see so many people acknowledged for what they do every day.

Cllr Smith said: “It was a brilliant evening. I loved that there was a lot more people being recognised this year. The groups or organisations who do a lot of good for the community are fantastic of course, and we will always acknowledge them at the Oscars, but the individual people who just get on with what they’re doing and don’t want a fuss – we made sure they got the recognition they deserve this year.

“Aiden James is a perfect example. He won employer of the year as the owner of Stonehouse Pizza and Carvery. He goes out of his way to employ people who might not do particularly well in interview or who might not have the best CV – he gives them a chance where other people won’t. I just thought to myself – ‘you really are making a difference to people’s lives.’”

A full list of winners are: Jamie Ricketts (The Den), Sports Person of the Year; Charles West (Winsford Academy), Young Person of the Year; Nicola Howbrigg, Performer of the Year; Bev Morton, Volunteer of the Year; Get Set Community Action Group (Winsford Academy), Community Initiative of the Year; George David Fogg, Senior Citizen of the Year; Winsford Army Cadet Force, Club or Organisation of the Year; Aiden James, Employer of the Year; Donald Wardle, Business Entrepreneur of the Year; HUB at the Winsford Academy, School Project of the Year; Hope Garner, Improving Health; Mark Smith, Sandra Light and Stewart Porter, Town Mayors Special Awards; Emma Brown, Nathan Morley, Anthony Baker and Bev Morton, Town Mayor’s Outstanding Contribution Award; Aiden James,Walk of Contribution.