A CELEBRATION of Keighley’s ‘unsung heroes’ has been held.

The town council hosted a community awards presentation at the civic centre, recognising those who had gone ‘above and beyond’ in their work, volunteering or sport.

Ten awards were handed out.

Town mayor, Councillor Julie Adams, said: “During the height of the pandemic, our community came together to ensure no one was left behind.

“Food parcels were handed out by charities and individuals, people offered to get supplies for their elderly neighbours and lined the streets to clap for the NHS, and our emergency services worked – and are still working – tirelessly to keep us safe.

“The people who were nominated for a community award helped those in need – sacrificing their time, needs and social life to be there for others. It was an honour to present the awards and celebrate Keighley’s heroes.”

Councillor Michael Westerman, who chairs the events and leisure committee, paid tribute to the winners and all those who were nominated.

He said: “The judging process was a difficult task due to the high standard of nominations. We would like to congratulate everyone.”

Thanks were expressed to the awards sponsors and to Keighley College for providing the catering for the event.

Winners were: Barry Thorne Sporting Hero of the Year – Yvie Ling Hegarty, runner-up Rob Spencer; Gary Pedley Community Award – Nicholas Smith, runners-up Ruth and Robert Payne; Inspiring Young Person of the Year – winner Mohammed Hassan Ramzan, runner-up Shannon Bell; Teacher of the Year – Richard Taylor; Volunteer of the Year – Chris Graham and the Long Lee volunteers, runner-up Jake Bradley; Climate Change Champion of the Year – Ruth Payne; Neighbour of the Year – Joanne Turner; Emergency Services Hero of the Year – Keighley Ambulance Station, Keighley Fire Station and Keighley Police Station; Mayor’s Civic Award – Ma Kelly’s Kitchen, runner-up John Lawless; Lifetime Achievement Award – Cliff Ashton.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, FROM THE ORGANISERS, ABOUT EACH WINNER:

* Yvie Ling Hegarty won the Barry Thorne Sporting Hero of the Year for her fantastic performances in taekwondo, representing Keighley in international competitions.

* Nicholas Smith won the Gary Pedley’s Community Award for his contributions to raising awareness of mental health. Nicholas setup Missing Peace Wellbeing and Support in 2017, a group that supports local people struggling with their mental health.

* Mohammed Hassan Ramzan won Inspiring Young Person of the Year for playing an instrumental part in the pop-up vaccination clinics at the Emily Street Mosque. He helped change the rooms to become a vaccine centre and he encouraged members of the community to get a jab.

* Richard Taylor won Teacher of the Year for being an inspiring sports teacher, engaging over 400 pupils a week. Richard was nominated for the positive impact he has on the school, for running morning and after-school clubs as well as clubs for the parents.

* Chris Graham and the Long Lee volunteers won Volunteer of the Year for their outstanding efforts with stewarding the car parking at Long Lee Medical Centre. With over 600 people arriving each day for their vaccine, this group of volunteers came out in all weathers to direct cars in the car park and ensure the road was kept free so emergency vehicles could get to the centre.

* Ruth Payne won Climate Change Champion of the Year for setting up a Terracycle scheme at Oakworth Village Hall. She has helped campaign for better recycling provision in the area, taken part in litter picks and encouraged others around her to be more mindful of their impact.

*Emergency Services Hero of the Year was won by Keighley Fire Station, Keighley Police Station and Keighley Ambulance Station for their heroic efforts over the past 18 months.

* Joanne Turner won Neighbour of the Year for helping to raise over £3,362 for her neighbour who had been diagnosed with cancer. The money will help pay for medical travel expenses and living costs.

* Ma Kelly’s Kitchen won the Mayor’s Civic Award for providing for the community in lockdown. It provided food parcels for the elderly who were isolating. It made Santa sacks at Christmas which contained food and a present. It has also provided school packed lunches for Keighley children.

* The Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Cliff Ashton for his work with West Yorkshire Police. Over his 30-year career at Keighley Police Station he has received many commendations and awards for his outstanding work. After retiring, he rejoined the police as a Police Community Support Officer in Keighley.