THE 2022 Basildon Borough Volunteer Awards have taken place with special individuals from across the borough getting recognised for their brilliant achievements.

There were nine categories to choose from for this year's awards, including Young Volunteer of the Year, Community Star, and Volunteer Group of the Year.

Legendary Basildon resident Sky Butcher who runs the Facebook group 'Homeless Help In Basildon & Surrounding Areas' was the evening's biggest winner, picking up three awards being the Community Star, Volunteer Group of the Year, plus the People's Choice Award - won via a public vote from the four shortlisted candidates.

Other winners on the night included Stella Calkin of the Basildon, Billericay, and Wickford Community Volunteer Service in the Lifetime Achievement category, Sally Webb of the Wickford and District Talking Newspaper who won the Long Service Award, and Zsofia Wright who won the Young Volunteer of the Year for her excellent efforts supporting a number of different organisations.

The ceremony featured a number of live performances from acts including Santoy Dance School, La Fantastique Dance Group, and an exciting display from the British Martial Arts Karate Group.

The awards ceremony took place at Basildon Sports and Social Club, being hosted by the Basildon Borough Youth Council with opening and closing speeches from the Mayor of Basildon, Councillor David Dadds.

Chairman of the Communities and Wellbeing Committee Cllr Terri Sargent added: "Well done to not just the winners but all the nominees on the evening. It was great to see so many special individuals who do such selfless work to better the lives of our residents.

"Volunteers are the unsung heroes of our borough and I'm glad we were able to put these awards on this year and give them the recognition they deserve."

The Volunteer Awards were delivered by the council in partnership with the Basildon Billericay and Wickford Community Volunteer Service. Sponsors on the evening were Clarion Futures, Precision Lifts, Leonardo, and Chigwell Group.