COMMUNITY heroes were celebrated at a special awards evening organised by the Daily Echo.

The 2017 Local Hero Awards recognised those who have gone above and beyond to help people - and animals - in need.

A total of 17 heroes, all nominated by readers, were joined by friends, family, and colleagues at the awards ceremony held at Hotel Miramar on Thursday evening.

Stories of their bravery, hard work, and dedication were shared, ranging from extraordinary rescue efforts to lifetime commitments to volunteer work.

Before the nine award winners were announced, Daily Echo editor Andy Martin praised the work of our community heroes and the uplifting stories they inspire – most of which are published in this newspaper.

“Every community needs its heroes, people who make a real difference to people’s lives and help restore our faith in humanity because that faith gets knocked, day in, day out,” Mr Martin said.

“All of you who’ve been nominated are community heroes. The work you do and the difference you make does help restore our faith in humanity, so thank you for that.”

First to be presented with an award was Pat Mathie for her contribution to local sport.

Pat is a children’s gymnastics coach at Avonbourne Gym Club.

Chantel Cox, who set up the Amelia Grace Rainbow Fund in memory of her daughter, won the Charity Fundraiser award.

Picking up the award for bravery was 11-year-old Felix Brown, who set up a blog chronicling his battle with Leukaemia.

The Community Hero award went to Louise Christopher, chair of Lytchett Minster PTA, who dedicates her spare time to fundraising and running a second-hand school uniform shop.

David Wood was crowned the Volunteer of the Year. The charity worker, who helps re-house homeless veterans, was also nominated in the Charity Fundraiser category.

Former RNLI coxswain for Swanage Lifeboat Station, Martin Steeden, won the Lifetime Achievement award.

His son, Matthew, collected the award on his behalf, praising his father’s record of saving 350 lives at sea during his service of nearly 40 years.

The Animal Champion award went to Michelle Sheriff, who has helped reunite hundreds of pets with their owners through her Facebook group Animals Lost and Found in Dorset.

The Emergency Services Award was won by Johnathan Clark, a volunteer crewmember at Poole Lifeboat Station who has dedicated over 30 years of service so far.

Finally, Wayne Rogers, who gave up his job to care for his wife, Christine, won the Carer Award.

Read all about the Local Hero Awards nominees in our special, six-page feature in Tuesday’s paper.