Community heroes from Wiltshire have received some well-deserved recognition at a recent awards ceremony.

Eight local champions won accolades at BBC Radio Wiltshire’s 2024 Make a Difference Awards.

For the third year running, the radio station received a record number of entries and nominations for the awards which celebrate ordinary people and - for the first time - animals doing extraordinary things.

The Volunteer Award for a group that makes a difference by giving up their time to help others went to Change Lives No to Knives from Swindon, which was set up following the fatal stabbing of Lee Turner.

The team visit schools and youth clubs to talk about the tragic consequences of using blades and helps young people stay away from a life of gangs and violence.

The Owen’s World Foundation founded by the family and friends of Swindon teenager Owen Dunn in his memory won the Community Award which recognises a group of people who have helped to genuinely change the lives of others within their community.

The foundation raises awareness of knife crime and promotes the rollout of bleed kits.

Hannah Coates from Swindon has been hailed as a Great Neighbour for her efforts in setting up an anxiety-free gym that aims to build up the confidence of its users.

Sian O'Callaghan's mother Elaine Pickford won a Bravery Award for showing outstanding courage, defiance and duty in the face of perceived danger, fear or difficulty in bringing in the taxi and private hire vehicle new legislation, known as 'Sian's Law'. 

The Wiltshire Digital Drive in Melksham received the Green Award for its eco-friendly initiative which refurbishes unwanted laptops, tablets and desktops, and then sends them to school pupils, community groups, and charities.

The inaugural Animal Award went to Norman the donkey at Chloe’s Mobile Farm in North Wiltshire because he visits schools, care homes, toddler groups to spread some cheer and bravely battle aggressive tumours known as sarcoids.

David Chalk in Salisbury received the Fundraiser Award after raising more than £140,000 in 17 years for the city's hospital.

Gale Louw from Salisbury won the Carer Award for her helpfulness, compassion and support for the residents of Milford House Care Home.

BBC Radio Wiltshire executive editor Carly Appleby said: “The BBC Radio Wiltshire Make a Difference Awards are about celebrating individuals who kindly and selflessly support people in their communities and beyond.

"This year we had so many incredible entries and examples of people doing wonderful things in their own time to help locally across Wiltshire.

"Congratulations to all of our worthy winners who have all made such a difference - bringing happiness, company and support to others.

“It has been a pleasure to be at the heart of the community and to share these stories.”

Presenter and awards host Graham Rogers added: “For me it is truly humbling to meet so many wonderful people across Wiltshire who quietly just get on with helping others without even realising that they are making a difference.

“Congratulations to all of our inspirational finalists and winners.”

Presenter Graham Rogers hosted the ceremony earlier this month after judges including presenter James May, Olympic swimmer Sharron Davies MBE, actor Clive Mantle, television presenter Alice Beer, English Rugby Union player Jonny May, Emma Thynn – Marchioness of Bath, Paralympian Chris Hunt-Skelley and soprano Carly Paoli whittled down hundreds of submissions to a shortlist for each of the eight awards.

Chris Burns, Controller Local Audio Commissioning said: “The award ceremonies for me are a humbling experience and I feel privileged that we get to shine a light on these stories and give our listeners a chance to celebrate the unsung heroes where they live.

"A huge thank you to everyone who took the time to nominate someone and a huge congratulations to our winners.”