The winners were announced at a special award ceremony at Homerton College last night (September 19) at the Cambridge News Community Awards 2018.

The ceremony was hosted by Cambridge News editor-in-chief David Bartlett and Caroline Baker, the account and magazine manager.

The special award ceremony gave the opportunity for the community to come together and celebrate the exceptional individuals and groups who have shown outstanding service, contribution and courage in difficult circumstances.

The nominations opened in June and votes from readers came flooding through.

There was then the difficult task of deciding the very worthy winners.

Cambridge News Community Awards 2018. Picture: David Johnson Photographic
Cambridge News Community Awards 2018. Picture: David Johnson Photographic

Editor-in-chief David Bartlett said: “None of the people receiving our awards tonight would ever seek the spotlight.

“They just quietly get on with what they do, expecting no reward or recognition.

"But we believe their achievements should be celebrated, and we know their families, friends and neighbours feel the same.”

Co-host Caroline Baker said: “I’m very proud to be co-hosting our Community Awards this year, it’s a first for me, and I have been really looking forward to it.

“I’m also really grateful to everyone here for the fantastic support you give, not only to the awards themselves, but to the Cambridge News.”

And the winners were:

Unsung Hero: Aaron Ginn

Aaron Ginn
Aaron Ginn is the winner of the Unsung Hero award in this year's Community Awards. Picture: David Johnson Photographic

Aaron, after winning the award, said: “I’m blown away to be honest and wasn’t expecting it, thanks to everyone who voted for me.”

Health Worker of the year: Carly Love

Carly Love
Carly Love is the winner in this years community awards in the category of health worker of the year. Picture: David Johnson Photographic

Carly, after winning the award, said: “I’m gobsmacked and overwhelmed, I feel this is for everyone at the hospice, not just me. Thank you to everyone that has supported the hospice."

Community Group: Joint winners Eddie and Spectrum

Spectrum said: “We are humbled and honoured that what we do to try and give a little happiness and make our members families' lives a bit better, has been recognised and will continue to support these families in the future."

Eddie's said: “It is fantastic to be recognised, we are a very small charity.

"We have a volunteer here with us tonight and have 138 volunteers within our team, which all make the charity possible.”

Young Achiever: Jorja Furze

Jorja Furze
Jorja Furze who won the Young Achiever award in this year's Community Awards - Young achiever category. Picture: David Johnson Photographic

Jorja Fruze said: “I’m still kind of shaking and feeling happy about my award tonight and I didn’t think I would get it.”

Good Friend: Thomas Haynes

Thomas Haynes
Thomas Haynes who is the winner of the Good friend award at this year's Community Awards. Picture: David Johnson Photographic

Thomas Haynes said: “I’m really happy that I won but I was feeling quite emotional when they were talking about Bethany.”

Carer of the Year: Nicole Dobbin

Nicole Dobbin
Nicole Dobbin is the winner of the Carer of the year award in this year's Community Awards. Picture: David Johnson Photographic

Nicole Dobbin said: “I’m ecstatic and it’s really nice to know that we are thought about after all this time.”

Emergency services: Three Cambridgeshire police officers, PC Douglas McColm, PC Louise Henry, PC Alexandra Moreton

Inspector Shane Fasey and Sargaent Rob Taylor
Inspector Shane Fasey and Sargaent Rob Taylor at the Community Awards. Picture: David Johnson Photographic

Inspector Shane Fasey and Sergeant Rob Taylor accepted the award on their behalf.

Inspector Shane Fasey said: “They are very sorry that they couldn’t make it, they would have loved to have been here.

“They are extremely humbled about being nominated for what they would describe as every day work, despite this obviously being an outstanding piece of work saving a young girl’s life.

“It’s fantastic to see recognition for something so exceptional."

Life Achievement: Meg Wilding

Meg Wilding
Meg Wilding is the winner of the lifetime achievement award for the Community Awards. Picture: David Johnson Photographic

Meg Wilding said: “I’m feeling very excited to have won this award on behalf of Cambridgeshire Homestart.

“28 years ago I was in the grounds of Homerton College where I did my training course. It was 6 weeks long and it’s nice to back here.”

Liam Fairhurst Most Courageous Child: Demi Butcher and Kendall Jolley

Demi Butcher
Demi Butcher is the joint winner of the Courageous Child award at the Community Awards - category. Picture: David Johnson Photographic

Demi Butcher said:“I’m really really happy, I can’t believe that I won, I like my kindle that I have been given because I love reading.”

Kendall Jolley
Kendall Jolley - Courageous Child in the 2018 Community Awards. With mum Kirsty. Picture: David Johnson Photographic

Kendall Jolley's mother, Kirstie Jolley, said: “It was a lovely night, very emotional. it was just a great night. I have never been to anything like this before."

Star of the Year: Thanea Hodges

Thanea Hodges
Thanea Hodges won the Star of the Year award at this year's Community Awards. Picture: David Johnson Photographic

She said: “I’m feeling really teary and I’m really excited, I’m here with my husband and a member of Pianoforte.”