Without our unsung heroes the Medway towns would undoubtedly be a much murkier place to live.

Pride in Medway is back for another year, in an effort to shine a light on those who dedicate their time and effort into help their areas and communities - and to thank them.

This evening more than 60 inspirational people were awarded a certificate at Mid Kent College’s theatre.

Parents, siblings, children and friends gathered together to congratulate the kind-hearted and the courageous.

The certificates were presented by the Mayor of Medway, Cllr Barry Kemp, and later this month judges will decide who is to through to the gala final at the Universities at Medway’s Pilkington Building, Chatham Maritime, on April 18.

That is when the overall winner will be announced.

But for the nominees, Friday evening was an honour in itself.

Many, like fosterer Carole Stanton and former carer Paul Davies, were humbled by the nomination, given they know others in similar positions.

But all agreed that efforts to raise awareness for the different ways people can contribute more to society should be seized.

Others nominated include Gareth Acres and Billy McPhail who acted with no thought of the danger to themselves when they sprang into action to save Barbara Smith when she fell on the track at Strood station just as a high speed train was pulling in.

The Voice singer Jamie Johnson is another, as is brave schoolboy Oakley Orange who battled a life-threatening allergic reaction to medication.

There are eight categories for the awards including courage, young heroes and community service.

The winners of the last campaign were Roger and Janet Maddams, chosen for their tireless campaigning for the charity Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY) following the sudden death of their teenage son Jack.

Pride in Medway is sponsored by mhs homes, Medway Council, Southern Water, the University of Kent, E.ON, Southeastern and the Medway Messenger.

For coverage of the event and pictures from the night pick up a copy of Monday’s Medway Messenger.