THE Braintree District Volunteer Awards were back last Thursday after a two-year hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The awards, run by Braintree Council and Community360, recognise and reward the extraordinary individuals and groups who make a positive difference in their community and inspiring others.

The sixth annual awards ceremony took place at the I-Construct Innovation Hub in Braintree.

Ken Yap, who joined the ceremony via video link from Hong Kong, won the Going the Extra Mile Award and Volunteer of the Year.

Halstead Gazette: Ken YapKen Yap

The young winner of the Going the Extra Mile Award was Noah Baldwin, who is a fundraiser for Cleft, a charity focused on providing permanent, sustainable ways to improve cleft palate care in the UK and overseas.

The Inspirational Role Model award went to Julie Adcock who has volunteered for Help for Heroes for six years following the death of a friend by suicide.

Halstead Gazette:

Young Inspirational Role Model went to Acacia Hawkins, 13, who has been volunteering for the Great Notley park run since she was just seven years old.

Halstead Gazette: Acacia HawkinsAcacia Hawkins

The Covid Response Award was awarded to Spike Townsend, who set up the operations centre at the Five Bells Public House, in Colne Engaine, and co-ordinated 83 volunteers during the pandemic.

Halstead Gazette: Spike TownsendSpike Townsend

The Young Covid Response Award went to Amy Edwards who has been volunteering for and co-founded the Coggeshall Community Helpers organisation since March 2020 as well as being a Guide and Scout leader.

Halstead Gazette: Amy EdwardsAmy Edwards

Daniel Dedman won the Long Service Award and has been volunteering at 158 Braintree RAFAC as a civilian instructor for over six years.

The young winner of the Long Service Award was Jonathan Taylor who volunteers at the Witham Boys and Girls Brigade, donating six hours of his time every week, plus more when they are at camps.

Halstead Gazette: Jonathan TaylorJonathan Taylor

The Group Award went to the Braintree Community First Responders who are a group of three volunteers that respond to 999 calls around Braintree, Bocking, Rayne, Stisted and surrounding areas.

Halstead Gazette: Braintree First RespondersBraintree First Responders

The Young Group Award went to the V Team at Essex University who work from the First Stop Centre in Braintree to offer real and immediate help to members of the community who are struggling with problems in their lives.

Halstead Gazette: The V TeamThe V Team

Braintree Council communities boss Frankie Ricci said: “I am honoured to have been part of the volunteer awards since their inception in 2017 and it is particularly special seeing the awards return after two years and hearing the amazing work that volunteers have done throughout the pandemic and beyond.”