Community spirits sky high in seaside resort after unsung heroes celebrated at town’s first Extraordinary People Awards

Community spirit is sky high in Bridlington after the town came together to celebrate unsung local heroes at Promenades Shopping Centre’s very first Extraordinary People Awards.

There were seven categories in all, and award nominations were made by members of the public, with a judging panel deciding the winners.

Local business man Chris Parcel, owner of Old Penny Memories and Denise Cowling, Renaissance Co-ordinator were two of the four strong judging panel, which was also made up of Maria Kamper, event organiser and centre manager of Promenades Shopping Centre, and Rachael Dean, the centre’s PR and marketing manager.

Winners and the highly commended were presented with certificates by AM Services Group sales director, Ashley Kirk and Paul Cooper of Bridlington Tourism Association at a glamourous awards ceremony at The Spa Bridlington.

Mrs Kamper said: “Each year I see so many examples of the outstanding work that takes place across Bridlington and the professionalism and commitment which is appreciated by our local community.

“This year’s awards reflect Promenades Shopping Centre’s core values and principles of striving to build and strengthen our community, which is fundamental to the service we provide and our shopper’s experience.

“The awards represent just a small sample of the fantastic work that takes place right across our town each year and celebrate all that is good about our seaside resort.”

Among this year’s winners were Tracy Roberts, who won Volunteer of the Year for starting Lost and Found Animal Group, which has reunited more than 4000 missing animals and helped hundreds of people in their most desperate hour; Chris Kirkham, who won the Community Local Hero Award for his commitment and involvement to “grass roots” football in Bridlington; and The Priory, who won Business of the Year for being a shining example of what can be achieved when young dynamic business mind’s work together to offer everything from luxury goods and services to casual wear – neatly washed down with an all important cup of tea from the stylish tea room and a hair cut to boot.

As well as recognising the efforts of these individuals, guests were invited to get involved in helping raise funds for Pancreatic Cancer Research Fund, a charity the Promenades team hold close to their hearts after losing a much loved friend and colleague, Francois Nairac, to the disease.

So far, more than £860 has been raised, with the total amount expected to be revealed in the next week.

Mrs Kamper added: “I have been completely overwhelmed with people’s generosity and it just shows what can be achieved when the community comes together.

“These awards give us an ideal opportunity to acknowledge the enormous contribution the people of Bridlington have made to our local community and I’m proud to be able to give them the recognition that they deserve for all their efforts year in, year out.”

The full list of Winners and Highly Commended is as follows:

Child of Courage winner Jack Coulam

Highly Commended: Evie Ripley and Bethany-Lee

The Bravery Award winner Joshua Beasley

Highly Commended: Katie Holland

Volunteer of the Year winner Tracy Roberts

Highly Commended: Shirley Johnson

Community Local Hero winner Chris Kirkham

Highly Commended: Jean Wormwell

Good Neighbour winner Elaine Seed

Fisherman of the Year winner Jack Sanderson