A GLITTERING awards ceremony celebrating the efforts of some of South Cumbria’s unsung heroes was praised as a huge success.

The Mail teamed up with its sister paper The Westmorland Gazette to deliver the first South Cumbria Community Heroes Awards 2019 at Abbey House Hotel & Gardens in Barrow.

The aim of the awards was to celebrate those who go the extra mile in their towns and villages and to recognise the achievements and dedication of the volunteers.

From caring and dedicated volunteers to sporting heroes and school workers, the event saw some of the county’s most inspiring people take centre stage to be recognised and rewarded their dedicated efforts.

The award categories for the evening included: Carer of the Year, Best Community Project, Good Neighbour of the Year, Unsung Hero, Good Friend, Volunteer of the Year, Young Achiever of the Year, Sporting Hero, School Worker of the Year and Helping Hand.

The judges had the near impossible task of selecting winners from what was an incredible field of nominees at this year’’s debut award ceremony.

The main sponsor of the event was GlaxoSmith Kline (GSK) at Ulverston, Cumbria’s Police and Crime Commissioner’s Office, St Mary’s Hospice, the University of Cumbria, ACTion with communities in Cumbria and LOCALIQ.

Former Heart DJ Danny Matthews, who hosted the event, said the night was all about shouting from the rooftops about South Cumbria’s 'biggest and best superheroes'.

“All finalists were winners in their own right,” he said.

“So congratulations to each and everyone of you.

"And thank you for everything you do to make our communities such a special place to live.”