IT WAS a night of celebration as hundreds of people gathered to recognise the inspiring and selfless actions of the town’s unsung heroes.

Now in its 12th year, the Pride of Andover Awards ceremony took place at The Lights on Wednesday night and proved to be a memorable occasion.

The night was orchestrated by BBC South Today’s Sally Taylor who presented to an audience of 200 individuals and business leaders from across Andover.

There were 11 honours handed out - from young people to services and the coveted Spirit of Andover Award.

And you’ll see from reading their stories that the winners received accolades for their passion and hard work within the town which has made a positive difference.

Community Champion Award - sponsored by Andover Vision

Jeremy Simmonds was awarded with the achievement following his volunteering for Andover Young Carers for five years as highly valued member of the management committee, doing his best for all the young carers he supports.

He said: "I think it is a rabbit in headlights! We just do what we do, we just look after the kids and give them something they haven't had and let them be kids."

Highly commended: Kelly Ryder

Fundraiser Award - sponsored by Ocado

Judges felt Melissa Tucker was deserving of the award as she has been the driving force behind Greys Wildlife Rescue, set up to help sick and injured animals as well as offering advice and assistance to ensure wildlife is correctly cared for and released back into the wild.

She said: "The wildlife fundraising started a couple of years ago, but it is something that I have always been interested in. I found in my local area there was not enough people to help."

Melissa added that there are always wild animals in and around her house that need looking after.

Highly commended: Nadine Ross

Young Person of the Year Award - sponsored by New Street Dental Care

At 10-years-old Nuno Porter-Bessant spent two years growing his hair to raise money to make wigs for children with cancer; his efforts saw him donate 13 inches of hair and raise a total of £1,075 for his chosen charity.

He said: "I realised that some children had cancer and they would lose their hair, so I decided I would make wigs for them and make them happy."

Sports Award sponsored by Places for People

Graham Howard was awarded with the accolade as both the judges and those who nominated him praised him for his countless hours dedicated to the sporting community of Andover in football, cricket and pool.

Graham said that he had enjoyed sport since he was at school and has grown that passion into making one of the biggest darts leagues in the area, with around 500 people playing every Friday night and raising money.

He added: "We are a small group of us with a lot of support from friends."

Inspiring Others Award - sponsored by The Breeze

Judges felt Marian Grundy had gone above and beyond in taking on a huge number of roles in Andover & District Mencap over a 45-year period and remaining at the forefront of its operations.

She said: "I am a parent as well as an advocate. There is a lot of satisfaction for the work that we do."

Highly commended: Ruth Facey

Services Award - sponsored by Andover Framing

Giving up their free time to people who are suffering from chronic or life limiting illnesses, currently caring for 18 patients, Hampshire Befrienders was crowned as the award winners.

Ruth Curry, from the organisation, said: "We build that friendship and be someone they can look forward, someone coming to their homes.

"[We are] Earth angels, to be their friend and to be by their side."

Highly commended: Natalie Jones

Heart of Gold Award - sponsored by Aspire Defence

Tony and Claire Noakes were chosen as winners after judges heard their story of caring for their son Abel, who has mitochondrial disease, while running their own business and setting up a charity to raise awareness and help other parents and children in the same situation.

Tony said: "We are up and down all of the UK not just Andover, and we plan to do a lot more, there is a long way to go and a lot more people to help."

Highly commended: Lisa Huddleston

Sue Sheppard Award - sponsored by The Commercial Centre

Mark Deal was chosen as the worthy award winner for dedicating 25 years to disability employment services in Andover while living with muscular dystrophy and his work with Healthwatch Hampshire.

Speaking at the ceremony, he said: "I am just humbled to even be invited here today. Andover is a fantastic town and place to live in."

Mayor’s Personal Award

Test Valley mayor Councillor Ian Carr expressed his enjoyment at hearing Vigo School Choir sing at events this year and said that they go the extra mile to entertain the community and give something back.

Learning support assistant Mrs Weymouth said: "It boosts all their confidence, it puts smiles on people's faces. It is just lovely to see smiles on people's faces."

Special Recognition Award

After 71 years of running P Squires in Bridge Street Alec Holloway retired this year at the age of 96 and his impact on the local community has been described outstanding.

He said: "It has been a long time but it has been a lot of fun. It is a full-time job, I had very good staff and made some great friends, made no enemies that I know of."

Spirit of Andover Award - sponsored by David Mellor Family Jewellers

Personifying what the spirit and pride of Andover really is, there was a standing ovation for Tony and Claire Noakes, of The Abel Foundation, as they received the winner of winners award.

Claire, while holding son Abel, said: "It has been an amazing few years, we have been doing it [whilst] trying to look after this little man. It has been amazing."

On stage Tony said the couple are working towards opening a hospice for children with the same disease as Abel and said he will do it "with or without people's help".

At the end of the night there was a special mention commending town mayor and awards’ committee member Councillor Barbara Long who was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in April and has promised to "shout from the rooftops" about the disease.

She said: "It does change your life and I believe it is something that we need to talk about."

A collection was held for the Countess of Brecknock hospice at the event which raised nearly £470.