LOCAL heroes who help make a difference in their communities in Cornwall have been commended for their efforts.

Eight inspiring individuals have been recognised at the BBC Radio Cornwall Make a Difference Awards 2025 held at the Falmouth Hotel where their stories of kindness, resilience and dedication took centre stage.

The great neighbour award was won by 81-year-old Richard Northey from Chacewater for his work in the community.

Mr Northey is the local lollipop man and also helps to maintain the recreation ground, play area and churchyard and cleans the village's toilets.

Teenager Kayleigh from Camborne won the young hero award for her volunteering work running the pudding station at an after-school teatime club.

Maxine Young, from Truro, won the animal award for her work as the volunteer co-ordinator of Dog Lost Cornwall, a charity which searches for missing pets.

The community group accolade was awarded to Helston-based Sparkle Foundation, founded and chaired by Leigh Yates. The charity has provided support to families managing mental health crises for the past 15 years.

Viv Stratton, from St Ives, won the Green Award for transforming what used to be his family's farm into the St Ives Community Orchard where hundreds of trees have been planted to create a woodland for animals, insects and wildflowers.

Lijia Ashcroft, born in China and who has been living in Mullion for nearly 10 years, was awarded the volunteer award.

She helps the Gweek youth club, she works in the village's community garden, and she mans the Mullion food larder, as well as helping a local elderly couple.

Sarah Doolin and Craig Pollard from Helston were awarded the fundraiser award for their work raising funds and awareness of Group B Streptococcus, external.

The couple lost their 19-day-old boy Ezrah after he died after contracting a Group B Streptococcus infection which then led to meningitis and sepsis, causing brain injury.

The Active Award was won by disability cricket team Cornwall Super 9s from Truro.

The team was crowned South West League Champions in only their second competitive season this summer.

Now in its fourth year, the Make a Difference Awards continue to grow, with BBC Local receiving thousands of nominations from across the country. The awards honour everyday people and animals who go above and beyond to make life better for others in their local communities.

The Cornwall winners were selected by a panel of local judges, including the Lord Lieutenant Colonel Sir Edward Bolitho, actor Morwenna Banks and Olympic GB wind surfer Sam Sills.

The Make a Difference initiative began during the Covid-19 pandemic to connect those in need with those who could help. Today, it continues to highlight the incredible efforts of people who are making a lasting difference in their communities.

Emma Clements, executive editor at BBC Radio Cornwall said: “Nobody at our awards ceremony in Falmouth could have failed to be inspired and in awe of the amazing work that all the nominees do in our community. The Make a Difference Awards are a showcase of what Cornwall does best; pulling together and going one step further to look after each other and keep our communities vibrant.”

Chris Burns, head of audio commissioning said: “Each year, the Make a Difference Awards remind us just how many incredible people are out there quietly transforming lives. The 2025 nominations are as strong as ever with thousands of people nominating unsung heroes and the stories we’ve heard have been truly moving.