ONCE again we have been reminded how the strength of our communities may yet be limitless after the curtain fell on this year's Heart of Ulverston Awards.

Since its inception six years ago the awards have striven to highlight just what makes the 'Festival Town' so special. Last night was no exception.

Nominees for the 11 categories came to the Coronation Hall dressed to the nines joining dozens of other distinguished guests for one of the most glamorous nights on Ulverston's calendar.

It is a nigh impossible task for the judges to choose winners every year as given the chance every nominee would take home a trophy, exquisitely crafted by local firm, Cumbria Crystal.

Following the opening speeches the award given got under way.

There are few in Ulverston who would not recognise the winner of the Citizen of the Year award. For decades Maurice Atkinson has tirelessly worked not just as a master carpet fitter in town but at a host of town functions and events. Whether it is helping lost strangers in the town or helping at the local British Legion it is safe to say that Mr Atkinson is the embodiment of what it means to be an Ulverstonian.

There were three very special awards that were handed out to the next generation of Ulverston. The Young Courage Award this year was handed out to three very worthy candidates - Ben Plinston, Megan Cooper and Bradley Sproat.

It is deeply humbling how youngsters are able to cope with adversity that would fell an adult. Whether it is keeping a family together following a devastating bereavement as Megan Cooper did; Ben Plinston bringing joy to everyone that he meets; or Bradley Sproat soldiering on with a smile in spite of a challenging start to life. There is no one who could deny the extraordinary strength of these three children.

A passion for sport runs deeply through the town and that was reflected by the volume of nominations submitted for the following categories. The Sport Volunteer of the Year Award was presented to Chris Regan for her decades of work promoting and encouraging young hockey players not just in Ulverston but across Cumbria. The next generation of sports stars was just as well represented with the Young Sports Performance of the Year Award being given to local swimmer Tom Robinson. Tom continues to improve in his sport regularly beating competitors far older than he.

To a group that have gone from strength to strength over recent years went the Environmental Volunteer of the Year Award. Ulverston in Bloom, come rain or shine, do their utmost not only to make the town's flowerbeds bloom but also encourage eco-friendliness and sustainability throughout the town. Having recently won several awards in this year's Cumbria in Bloom the group are now setting their sights on national prizes.

For her dedication to one of the town's standout businesses Bev Frankland was honoured with the Employee of the Year Award. Working for Cumbria Crystal since she was a teenager she has climbed the company ladder to go from washing glasses to, at one point, running the entire company.

At a time when a spotlight is so rightfully being shone on the importance of supporting mental health, Ulverston MIND were awarded the Community Group of the Year Award. A dedicated team are on hand in the town to council and support anyone who may be struggling with mental health issues.

Steven Jackson was named Teacher of the Year. Mr Jackson, who recently retired, spent his adult life teaching and often went out of his way to encourage youngsters to fulfil their potential.

Not content with just one award Maurice Atkinson took to the stage once more to collect his Helping Hand Award. So much of what Mr Atkinson does in Ulverston is for the benefit of others therefore it seemed only right he also took home this trophy.

Following a car accident which almost claimed her life this year's recipient of the Courage Award was Sandy Nevinson. After surviving a terrible crash she went on to defy all odds and gave birth to a beautiful baby girl - Alexa Grace.

Finally, this year's Lifetime Achievement Award went to the chair of the Furness NSPCC branch, Loretta Blackburn. For more than 30 years Mrs Blackburn has worked tirelessly with the charity working to improve the lives of children in our area.

Visit www.nwemail.co.uk later today or pick up a copy of The Mail on Monday to read even more reaction from yesterday's award ceremony.

Heart of Ulverston Awards 2017 - Winners and nominees

Citizen of the Year

Winner: Maurice Atkinson

Nominees: Martin Cooper; Loki (Artist)

Young Courage Award

Winners: Megan Cooper; Ben Plinston; Bradley Sproat

Sports Volunteer of the Year

Winner: Chris Regan

Nominee: Joe Ward

Young Sports Performance of the Year

Winner: Tom Robinson

Nominee: Eva Newby

Environmental Volunteer of the Year

Winner: Ulverston in Bloom

Nominees: Irene Cannon; MIND Allotments

Employee of the Year

Winner: Bev Frankland

Nominee: Sarah McCormack

Community Group/Project of the Year

Winner: Ulverston MIND

Nominees: Ulverston Triathlon Club; Michael Jeschke

Helping Hand Award

Winner: Maurice Atkinson

Nominees: Bill Penny; Furness Refugee Support

Courage Award

Winner: Sandy Nevinson

Nominees: Tony McNally; Vera Merckel

Lifetime Achievement Award

Winner: Loretta Blackburn