Sutton Coldfield’s unsung heroes were recognised at an awards night organised by the Royal Sutton Coldfield Town Council.

The Local Hero Awards and Volunteer Reception was held at Moor Hall Hotel for the first time since the coronavirus pandemic began.

Community champions in six categories were recognised, including individuals and groups who put themselves out to help others around the Royal Town.

The winners were picked by the Mayor of Sutton Coldfield, Cllr Terry Wood, and Reverend John Routh of Holy Trinity Parish Church.

Christine Morphett, received a local hero award for her dedication to support young people, through weekly mentoring sessions and assisting in street youth work.

A dedicated team, who have gone out in their own time to clean up the town were recognised.

Sutton Coldfield Litter Action Group (SCLAG) was founded just 14 months ago but now has more than 800 volunteers who have helped clean up more than 500 streets.

A champion of one of Sutton’s districts, Pat Brown, of Wylde Green Neighbourhood Forum, was honoured for 15 years as secretary of the group. Colleagues described Pat as ‘admirable’.

A group set up near the start of the pandemic to support vulnerable members of the community providing them with vital food supplies was also awarded.

Charity Hope Food North Birmingham in Mere Green has more than 70 volunteers who give 200 hours of their time each week to serve up 30 meals a day and providing bags of food and toiletries for those in need from supermarket surpluses.

Meanwhile, judges honoured Ruth Tough McKeown, site secretary at Boulevard Allotments, who received a local hero award for her fundraising efforts.

The final main award of the night went to a friends group who spruce up a Sutton green site making it a haven for visitors.

Friends of Stephens Pond was formed just last year to boost the woodland and green space at the Walmley site.

A poignant Special Recognition Award was also made to all the volunteers of the Sutton Coldfield Vaccination Centre at the town hall.

They were recognised for their ‘efficiency, commitment, positive attitude and friendliness’ in helping getting the town jabbed against Covid-19 since February last year.

Pictured: Sutton Coldfield Vaccination Centre volunteers receive their award