DEDICATED residents of the district have scooped top prizes at the annual Gerry Pickersgill and Community Awards.

Honours were handed out during a glittering awards ceremony at Victoria Hall in Keighley, which had been organised through Bradford District Tenants and Residents Federation and supported by town-based social housing provider, Incommunities.

There were 82 nominations in total this year across five categories, which were awarded in memory of a popular housing manager, Gerry Pickersgill, who died in 2000.

Geraldine Howley, Incommunities group chief executive, said: “Every year, the Gerry Pickersgill Awards shines the spotlight on local heroes right across the district and 2017 has brought a bumper crop of high-quality nominations.

“I would like to congratulate this year’s winners, runners-up and everyone nominated for these awards, held in recognition of a dedicated housing professional.

“A special thanks to Gerry’s widow, Janet, who each year supports the event, and the Bradford District Tenants and Residents Federation, in particular Steve Pickles and Katie Bowles, who have really worked hard to run these awards.”

The overall winner, chosen by a judging panel from the Federation, was David Weston from Keighley for his dedicated work helping pupils at Worth Valley Primary School lead a healthier lifestyle. This includes running their breakfast club, encouraging the children to grow fruit and vegetables and also preparing funding bids.

Mr Weston also finds time to run the Craft Tea Corner at the Sue Belcher Centre at Bracken Bank.

Katie Bowles, chairman of the District Federation, said: “Congratulations to David Weston.

“Everyone was struck by his dedication to the children of Worth Valley and his tireless work to improve their life experiences. He is an inspiring volunteer.”

The roll-call of category winners announced on the night were:

lBest neighbour – Barry Wood; runners-up – Suzanne Greenwood and Maxine Snowball, both of Keighley

lBest social event organiser – Braithwaite Senior Voice; runners-up – Louise Mellor of Keighley and David and Mary Smith, of Bingley

lBest young volunteer – Eight-year-old Ashley Copeland, of Wibsey, for his work helping the homeless; runner-up – Swayne Tombin, of Keighley

lBest community project – Friends of Harold Park; runners-up – Forever Loved Animal Rescue, Keighley, and the Craft Tea Corner, Bracken Bank; and

lBest community centre – Café West in Allerton; runners-up – Sue Belcher Centre (Bracken Bank) and Keith Thompson Centre (Braithwaite).

lWhat do you think? E-mail your letters to richard.parker@nqyne.co.uk or write to the Content Editor, Keighley News, 80-86 North Street, Keighley BD21 3AG.