Community champions from across Rutland have been recognised for their hard work and dedication at a special event hosted by the Lord-Lieutenant of Rutland.

Rutland’s Community Champions Celebration took place at Kendrew Barracks in Cottesmore on Thursday (November 1), paying tribute to individuals, groups and organisations that have made a positive difference.

The event, hosted by Lord-Lieutenant Dr Sarah Furness in partnership Rutland County Council chairman Kenneth Bool (Con), was held to thank the unsung heroes who go to great lengths to support their communities but whose efforts often go unnoticed.

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Among those recognised at the event were:

• Lynne Cooper, Karen Lemon, Liz Cumming, Rosalind Nicoll, Vickie Goddard, Kate Hamilton, Judith Spiers and Lizzie Newel – the ladies responsible for bringing the Rutland’s First World War Poppy Project to life at Oakham Castle
• Mark and Tracey Taylor – organisers of the hugely successful monthly Veterans Breakfast at The Grainstore in Oakham, which brings together veterans of all ages and backgrounds
• Ann Williams, who has worked tirelessly to set up Resilient Rutland – a project to support the positive mental health and resilience among young people in Rutland
• Citizens Advice Rutand, which works with other organisations to offer help and support and has secured more than £1m grants and financial assistance for the county
• For Rutland – a local charity with more than 100 volunteers. Led by Elizabeth Mills and Trish Ruddle, For Rutland funds specialist advisors who support people with life-limiting conditions
• Organisers of the commemorative First World War community play The Rutlanders Return, including Joy Everitt and Arts for Rutland.

Speaking at the event, Lord-Lieutenant of Rutland Dr Sarah Furness said: “Rutland has a strong and well-established culture of altruism, doing our best for others and volunteering. It is because of this ethos and the large number of people who give up their time to work for the good of our communities that we wanted to hold this celebration – to recognise the invaluable contributions being made day in, day out and to say thank you.

“By working together and helping others we make Rutland what it is – a very special place to live.”

Rutland County Council chairman Kenneth Bool (Con) said: “It has been a pleasure to see so many people come together to pay tribute to Rutland’s community champions. These people work tirelessly to help and support others. So much of the invaluable work that they do is carried out ‘behind the scenes’ and away from the public eye.

“I’m glad that we could take this opportunity to celebrate all they do and ensure they receive the thanks they so richly deserve.”