A handful of Dover’s unsung heroes were rewarded at the People of Dover awards last night.

Individuals and groups were nominated for seven different categories, all of which represent how the community can make Dover a better place to work, play and live.

The event was held at the town council offices in Biggin Street.

Opening the awards ceremony was Graham Tutthill, former Mercury reporter and the newest Freeman of Dover.

He said: “This is the second year the People of Dover awards have been arranged by the town council in association with the Dover Mercury.

“There were twice as many nominations this year as there was last year.

“In times when it is easy to highlight the negative things that go on in the town, it is even more important that we shine a spotlight on the positive and good things that happen.

“Despite all the doom and gloom merchants out there, there are plenty of good things happening in Dover."

Awards and certificates were presented to winners and runners up for each category.

Those that were nominated were voted for by the people, for the people.

The winners ranged from the Connaught Park Appreciation Group, Inov8Futsal Academy, the Sewing Centre in Dover's high street, the Western Heights Preservation Society, community man Graham Hutchison, Ofsted registered child minder Julie Blackwell and the Belgrave Friday Fun Club Teenage Volunteers.

To see a double page spread of pictures and the full report, see next week's Dover Mercury, out May 15.