Unsung heroes have been praised in this year’s Rainham Community Awards.

The 2024 awards were hosted by Rev Nathan Ward and kmfm’s Nicola Everett, in front of more than 140 people at St Margaret’s Church.

The event celebrates and honours the contributions of local heroes who dedicate their time, talents and energy to making Rainham a better place for all.

This is the fourth year the awards have taken place and anyone in the community can nominate individuals or groups who they believe deserve recognition for their efforts.

This year, nearly 300 nominations were submitted across seven categories.

And the winners were...

Volunteer of the Year - Luke Tyler

As Commanding Officer of 25 Squadron RAF Air Cadets for just over a year, Luke has led a team enabling young adults aged 12-20 to gain valuable skills, fostering the spirit of good citizenship and community values such as respect and integrity.

He has been instrumental in encouraging cadets to participate in green and eco projects, including helping at St Matthew’s Church, Wigmore, with renovations and cleaning out parish ponds.

Unsung Hero - Medway Open Award Centre

The centre for the young people of the Medway Towns who are doing their Duke of Edinburgh's Award – Bronze, Silver or Gold - has recently taken on more schools including Leigh Academy, Rainham Girls and RMGS.

The centre and all expeditions are run by voluntary staff and it allows young people to hire their expedition kit for a nominal sum as well as giving the opportunity for young people to complete volunteering sections of the award by helping run the kit store.

No child misses out due to issues of finance and many volunteers commented on enjoying the community and social life of the centre.

Rainham Creative - Jordan Ravenshill

The busker has left an indelible mark on Rainham.

He started playing in Rainham Shopping Precinct, from the age of 15, and has moved on to the grandeur of Rochester Cathedral and a packed Central Hall, releasing his own albums, inspiring many and entertaining thousands.

Eco-Ambassador - Hayley Sym

She hosts, facilitates and inspires others, driving the Holy Trinity Church’s eco-friendly initiatives.

Educating and encouraging the congregation to be more eco-conscious, Hayley shows them how to recycle and reduce their carbon footprint.

She has started community eco-ventures, including the switch to energy-saving LED lighting, monthly litter picks and a successful June Eco Fayre which brought together local eco-conscious businesses.

Wild About Rainham - Ellie Ashbee

Ellie has been the instigator of the tree and hedge planting in and around the grounds of The Howard School, providing a greener environment and cleaner air.

She has reached out to the wider community, involving other volunteers to help make Rainham that little bit greener.

Health, Wellbeing and Activity - Denise and Donna, activity co-ordinators at Heatherdale Nursing Home

They spend time listening and talking to the residents, caring and entertaining them every day of the week.

Denise and Donna go out of their way to make sure that every single resident, whether they take part in activities or not, feels welcome, involved and part of the group.

Great Neighbour - Gladys Payne

Gladys has lived in Lower Rainham for more than 50 years and over the years, she and her late husband Bob have been caring, interested and supportive.

She has made a habit of inviting immediate neighbours in for drinks and snacks and always has time for them.

School Awards - Leigh Academy, Rainham

For its art piece Plastic World vs Earth which captures the need to address plastic pollution and its impact on the planet.

Young Eco Creators Best Product - Miers Court Primary School

For its innovative and eco-friendly bird feeders.

Young Eco Creators Best Poem - Rainham School for Girls

Young Eco Gardening Team - Miers Court Primary School

Young Eco Creators: Primary School - Miers Court Primary School

Young Eco Creators: Secondary School - Leigh Academy, Rainham

Environment and Sustainability School Shield - Miers Court Primary School