The light was shone on local heroes when this year's Pride in Medway Awards held its certificate presentation evening.

The theatre at Gillingham-based Mid Kent College was packed on Friday night with recipients, family, friends and sponsors.

More than 140 people and organisations were nominated to receive an award this year – the highest ever total.

Each one was given a certificate at the event attended by Medway mayor Cllr Habib Tejan (Con).

The judges will meet this week to decide on the finalists who will be invited to a gala evening at Bridgewood Manor Hotel in April.

The awards, which were launched by Medway Messenger 19 years ago, are organised by Pillory Barn.

As well as the Messenger, this year's sponsors are: mhs homes, Goathams & Son, Uniper, Mid Kent College, Medway Council, Bridgewood Manor and Dockside Property Services.

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Nominated in the young hero category were: Emily Ditton, Amber Gillingham, McKenzie Ibingha, Stacey Quick, Rosie Regan and Molly Wilkins.

In the courage category: Georgia Dunn, Emma Petts, Owen Porter, Bharat Vara and the Jackson Children.

For community service: Lee Austin, of Premier Roofcare Ltd, Animals Lost and Found in Kent, Claire Bird, Joyce Bowles, Bowen Moto, Andrea Button, Club AUsome – including Kellie Milano, Jennie Fretwell, Emma Stoddard – Chatham Royal Marines' cadet unit adult volunteer staff

Neil and Tracey Charlick, Manjinder Chatha, Williams Chemist, Danielle Day, Michelle Dewar, Sue Groves MBE, Tania Hayes, Pam Karson, Kinfest, Richard King, Bea Kusagli, Sarah Mann, Fatma Maleta, Anna McGovern, The Medway Street Angels, Derek and Kate Morrison,

Medway Parents' and Carers' Forum, Medway Towns' Foot Path Group, Monika Oravcova, Rupa Sen, Prince Arthur Boccia Knights, Jon Ramage, Elaine Savage, Nicky Sutton, Kerrie Thompson, Ash Williams, Vision Signing Choir, Medway Council stray dog service/team, Second Chance – MRS Community Hub, Strood Community Shop, Trinity School and College and Wonderfully Made.

For charity fundraiser: Claire Barnes, Lucy Friend Allen, Sharon Jackson, Anthony Martin, Victoria O’Leary, William Parkinson, Laiylah-Mae Rice, Peter Vogel, Cherished Whispers, Time for Homeless and One Big Family Helping the Homeless.

In the volunteer of the year category: Chris and Diane Arnold, Paul Blakebrough, Danny Buckle, Sue Charlton, 5th Medway Scout Group, Penny Dyball, Anthony Eldridge, Linda Fiddyment, Paul Harper, Sandi James, Andrew Lunnon, Richard Matthews, Dawn Matthews, Elisabeth and William Notley, Tracy Rayner, June Rodwell, Marie Smith, Mike Williams and Jerome Xavier.

Those nominate for health and hospital were: Dr Garth Francis, Jenny Holliday, Ferride Karson, Russell Kimble, Katie Stone, Dr Ashraf Syed, Naomi Withers, Watling Street Dental Care.

Good care nominees: Jean Carter and Julie Warr, Olivia Elliott, Jennie Fretwell, Amey James – The Happy Pants Ranch, Victoria and Lisa Hart, Christine Morris, Gillian Simmons, Lisa Thomson, Zonia Walker and Jackie Coldwell, Moira Woolley and Anchor Support Services Ltd.

In the green champion category: Julia Heath and Stevie Hunt, Cameron Lane, Callum Thomas, The Friends of Borstal Open Spaces and Medway Youth Climate Change Movement.

For sports coach of the year: Sam Diplock, Sue Fletcher, Andrew Jackson, Matt Kuhn, Paul Murral, Ben Tasker, Maidstone and Medway AC, Chris Ripley.

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