Community heroes have been awarded for their work by the council.

Gravesham council handed out six awards on Thursday to those that have gone the extra mile and given up their time as volunteers to benefit the borough and its residents.

Among the winners was Lisa Whittaker. who has volunteered with Scouts for the last 28 years.

She started off her journey with the group when she was 20 years old at Venture Scouts in Northfleet and got involved in volunteering. Lisa later became the Cub Scout leader in Istead Rise.

She said: "Volunteering in Gravesham with the Istead Rise Scouts has been a huge part of my family’s life for many years. The young people have benefitted so much from it, I feel extremely proud to be involved with that.

"Every week there is a new skill to be learnt and an adventure to be had.”
Another award was presented to Chairman of the Gravesham branch of The Merchant Navy Association, John Cross. He was recognised for his work raising awareness of the contribution and sacrifices made by the Merchant navy in the two World War.

John also spends a lot of time on the upkeep of the Navy memorial garden at Bawley Bay.

Waterside Parents Centre was another winner of the community award.

Run by a small team of dedicated staff and volunteers, the centre focuses on emotional health and wellbeing. The team offers kindness, reassurance and support to new parents when they need it most

A parent that used the service, Bryony Bramer, nominated the centre. She said: “It is an absolute lifeline; the centre helps all to become the best parent they can be and to have somewhere they belong.

"Everyone is so supportive and non-judgemental and it truly feels like being part of an extended family”.

Fortnightly community club, Milton Munchies, also won an award.

The group ,which is run by volunteers from St Peter and St Paul's Church in Milton, offers a three course lunch club for a small fee as well as raffles, summer trips and much more
Makhan Singh Cheema was awarded for his 38 years dedicated to working with Guru Nanak Football Club and a group of young people, GYG Committee, were recognised for their work raising awareness of mental health.

Outgoing Mayor of Gravesham Cllr David Hurley, who presented the awards, said: “What an absolute honour and pleasure it was as my last mayoral duty to be able to say thank you to some of the people who are working so hard in our community.”