Our unsung heroes had their moment in the spotlight at the Pride in Medway 10th anniversary certificate evening.

Almost 90 people were put forward for the awards this year as a thank you for their effort and achievement.

Many of them were at the Corn Exchange, Rochester, accompanied by relatives or friends, for the presentation on Friday evening.

Representatives from the sponsors read citations for each of the nominees, which drew warm applause from the packed hall.

Those being honoured came from all over the Towns, all walks of life and all age groups.

They ranged from proud old sailor Joe Pitcher, who served in the Royal Navy and now spends his spare time helping friends, to brave tot Harry Parks (pictured right), who has been battling brain cancer since he was 15 months old.

Southern Water has joined the sponsors for the first time this year. The firm's senior public affairs manager Beverley Thompson began the presentation by congratulating the nominees for making their community a better place.

She said: "David Cameron speaks about making a Big Society when, in fact, this is already happening here in Medway."

Mayor Cllr David Brake, who presented the certificates, said it was a "very prestigious occasion" that showed "how many wonderful people we have here in Medway".

As it was the 10th anniversary of the awards, there was a giant celebratory cake made by family firm Beaney's of Strood.

The cake measured 30in x 18in and bakery owner Chris Beaney said it was one of the biggest they had been asked to make.

A panel of judges now has the difficult task of choosing the finalists to go forward to a gala night on Saturday, February 19, at the Universities of Medway's Pilkington Building.

Pride in Medway is sponsored by Medway Council, mhs homes, the University of Kent, the Medway Messenger, E.ON and Southern Water.

See Friday's Medway Messenger for more pictures of nominees.