More than 200 Armed Forces champions and dignitaries attended Nottinghamshire County Council’s second Boots and Beret Awards at Goosedale, near Papplewick.

The showpiece event was launched last year to celebrate the dedication, commitment, and service within the Armed Forces’ community across Nottinghamshire.

Winners were:

Legacy (Inspiration) Award (sponsored by Experian) — Flt Ltnt Michael North, RAFAC; Employer Award (sponsored by Nottinghamshire County Council) — Nottinghamshire Police; Employee Award (sponsored by Gleeds) — Harjit Bailey, Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust; Clinical Services Award (sponsored by Motorfinity) — Nottingham University Hospitals; Community Award (sponsored by Nottinghamshire Police & Crime Commissioner) — Bilsthorpe Veterans’ Breakfast Club (Arthur Pinnick); Special Project Award (sponsored by Nottinghamshire County Council) — Rushcliffe Borough Council; Cadet Forces Adult Volunteer Award (sponsored by Amazon) — Paul Hose, Nottinghamshire Army Cadets; Reservist Award (sponsored by Heckler and Koch) — Louis Curtis, Royal Navy.

Community Award winners Arthur Pinnick and his wife, Glenys, set up Bilsthorpe Veterans’ Breakfast Club 18 months ago and run a monthly session where all the breakfasts are cooked to order by the pair.

Arthur said: “This award means so much to me and Glenys because we put our heart and soul into it.

“It’s difficult at times because we don’t get any funding or grants, but it’s something we want to do for the local community. We’ll definitely keeping it going for as long as we can.”

Coun Keith Girling, the county council’s Armed Forces Champion, said: “Nottinghamshire has a rich military history and the event was a fitting way to honour the people who have given so much for their country, as well as the individuals, businesses and organisations who support them.”

Employee Award winner Harjit Bailey provides advice and guidance for Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust colleagues and patients on what help and support is available. She said: “I’m honoured that my role has been recognised and I’m determined to keep raising awareness of the financial, emotional and general day to day support that is available.”