VOLUNTEERS in Test Valley who go above and beyond to make their community better have been honoured.

Unity hosted the annual Test Valley Volunteer Awards at the Stockbridge town hall on Tuesday, June 6.

Held during Volunteers Week, the event, like the week, aimed to highlight the importance of the amazing volunteers who support the community.

Nominations were gathered throughout May and Unity staff were humbled by the number of nominations and the inspiring stories of these incredibly dedicated volunteers.

More than 70 people attended the awards.

A Unity spokesperson said: “The atmosphere was supportive and enthusiastic with each winner receiving passionate applause, cementing the gratitude the community has for their dedication.”

Winners received a personalised glass trophy with runners-up receiving a certificate on the night. All those who were shortlisted will also be receiving a digital certificate to reward them for their hard work and commitment to their causes.

Judges said that shortlisting the nominations was incredibly difficult and choosing winners and runners-up for the three categories was almost impossible.

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The winners and the categories were:

The Unsung Hero award was sponsored by Mayor of Test Valley Cllr Phillip Lashbrook, and won by “Auntie” Liz Cosgrove for her work at the Enham Trust. The runner-up was Sheila Green for running Weyhill Seniors.

Volunteer of the Year was sponsored by Fluidity Insurance Consultants, and won by Maureen Scahill for her work at the Countess of Brecknock Hospice. The runner-up was Les Mildson for his work with the Romsey Ramblers Group

Team of the Year was sponsored by Unity and the winners were The Romsey Young Carers and the runners-up were Citizens Advice Test Valley.

During the evening there were talks from Gemma Glinch and a colleague from the Hampshire countryside ranger team, along with Martin Hunt, Fire and Rescue head for BARC (The British Automobile Racing Club) and BTCC (British Touring Car Championship).

“We were honoured to host such a positive and inspirational evening and to hear from all these incredible people within our community,” the Unity spokesperson said.

“We cannot wait to do it all again next year and highlight even more amazing volunteers who make our community a better place.”

Unity chief executive Terry Bishop has thanked all the groups and volunteers who were nominated and attended the event as well as Fluidity Insurance consultants and the mayor and mayoress for sponsoring awards and presenting on the evening.