After a two-year break, the Pride in Medway Awards returned on Friday night as it celebrated its 20th anniversary.

More than 110 people attended a special gala evening held at Mid Kent College in Gillingham.

Although it's now two decades' old, enthusiasm for the event shows no signs of waning with this year's contest attracting a record 194 unique nominations.

Finalists were joined by dignitaries including Medway mayor Cllr Jan Aldous and council leader Cllr Alan Jarrett.

The awards were supported by sponsors, including Dockside Property Services, mhs homes, Medway Council, Medway Messenger, Bridgewood Manor Hotel & Spa, Uniper, MidKent College and AC Goatham & Son.

There were 10 awards handed out by representatives of the sponsors with the first one going to Young Hero Riley Card.

The Green Champion award went to Rainham Eco Hub, while Volunteer of the Year was Hilary Cooke.

The Courage award went to Reuben Acheson and Joshua Milano and Let’s Get Chatty won Community Service. Co-ordinator Shila Jassal and administrator Stephen Parrett attended.

The winner of the Health & Hospital category was Joy Bamford and Good Carer went to Amy Bowler.

Charity Fundraisers were Ashley Stone and Adam Palmer and Sports Coach of the Year was Mikey Reynolds.

This award is in memory of former Medway Messenger news editor Sarah Clarke, who died of cancer four years ago.

She was a driving force behind the event right from the start.

The overall Pride in Medway award was given to The Gillingham Street Angels, whose boss was honoured to receive the accolade.

Neil Charlick, who runs the charity with wife Tracy, was "shocked" and delighted in equal measure.

He said the charity has gone from strength-to-strength since starting at a charity shop in Skinner Street, Gillingham.

It now operates a food bank there, a warehouse in Jenkins Dale, Chatham, and is opening a new shop in Rochester High Street on Friday.

Last month alone,12,500 meals were provided by a band of 80 volunteers.

Mr Charlick, a former transport manager from Essex, said: "I have been homeless myself, so I have seen first-hand what it's like.

"I remember walking down Chatham High Street and realising there's a real problem here.

"Sadly, this is a problem that is not going to go away and with Covid, increases in National Insurance and fuel prices, it has got massively worse.

"I have always wanted to help people and be productive.

"I'd like to think that we have made a difference and made Medway a better place."

More photos in this week's Medway Messenger