COMMUNITY heroes from across the district were recognised in a ceremony for this year's Pride of Tendring awards.

Winners from a range of organisations and charities throughout Tendring received their accolades at a glittering ceremony in front of 200 people.

The events, held at Clacton's Princes Theatre, was organised by Tendring Council to shine the spotlight on those who do their best for the community.

The winners for the Harwich area included Mark Godfrey who as inspired 138 individuals and organisations from Great Oakley to run the Maybush Inn voluntarily.

The pub was re-opened on in February 2016, and it has been open every day since - run entirely by a dedicated team of volunteers.

Another winner was Monica Lindsey Graves who has always been involved with the community of Harwich.

She used to help run the Harwich Post Office with her family and for many years was a volunteer at the Hub Youth Club at the Mayflower School on many Friday nights in the past.

She is now a big fundraiser for organisations such as the local hospital, RNLI, Food Bank and Harwich Mayoress’ Appeal.

Monica has also supported most of the local schools in the town and has raised a considerable amount for individual causes.

Beryl Hurst has lived in Great Bromley all of her life.

The 86-year-old has been a member of Great Bromley WI for 70 years, has been a member of the Great Bromley Friendship Club for more than two decades and has been the chair of the club for 15 years.

She was also a village hall trustee for 30 years and member of the local pantomime group for 20 years.

She is now a church council member of Elmstead Methodist Church.

The other winner from the area was the Harwich Secret Gardens event, which is a festival that raises funds for local causes and brings a large number of visitors into the town.

A Tendring Council spokesman said: "Over the last six years, an average of 30 households have taken part in the Harwich Secret Gardens event raising over £13,000 for local good causes, funding additional tree planting in public areas and bringing thousands of visitors into the town."

Tendring Council chairman Mark Platt, said the 17 recipients do what they do for no reward.

“They are thoroughly deserving of the accolades they will be receiving, and it is a small thank you for everything they do for our society,” he said.

“Each and every one of them has made a real difference and they represent a wide variety of groups and organisations from our towns and villages.”