Ashfield residents and businesses came together to mark the achievements of local people during the past 12 months at the Discover Ashfield Awards.

Discover Ashfield celebrates all that is good about living, visiting, working, studying, and doing business in Ashfield — and its awards recognise those who are doing great work in the district.

The event was held at the new Kirkby Leisure Centre and compered by Takeover Radio DJ, Ken Mead, with entertainment from Ollie Hayes.

The awards were presented by Discover Ashfield ambassadors, including the chair of Discover Ashfield, Martin Rigley, chief executive of Lindhurst Engineering, Sutton; and the vice-chair of Discover Ashfield, Louise Knott, vice-principal of West Notts College.

Louise said her message to Ashfield’s young people was: “Dream big, do what you love, and stay local.”

Among the award winners was Claire Finn, who received the Ashfield Hero Award for creating Ashfield Arts Festival.

Mixed martial arts exponent Brooke Butler, who is part of the England squad and in her spare time supports the Empower Hour as part of the Safer Streets initiative in Ashfield, won the Shining Star in Sport award.

Several special recognition awards were presented by the leader of Ashfield District Council, Coun Jason Zadrozny, and council chairman Coun David Walters to recognise those who received national honours in the past year.

Recipients were Liz Barrett, who received an OBE for services to education; Ashfield’s NHS; Gary Jordan, who received an MBE for services to the economy and community; and Lt Col Keith Spiers, who received an OBE for pioneering new ways for the Army to engage with young people.

A new annual award, the Maryrose Philanthropy award was unveiled for the first time, with the first recipient Alan Rooksby. The award recognises those who give their time, commitment, and resources to local charities and worthy causes.

Alan made a generous donation towards the building of Kirkby Leisure Centre in memory of his wife, Maryrose, with a health and wellbeing room for local groups to meet in named after her.

Award winners were:

Business Improvement
Winners — RM Resources, Hucknall; nominees — Colledges Butchers, Moor Market, Phil’s Bait and Tackle

High Street Business of the Year
Winners — Sauce & Brown, Annesley Woodhouse; nominees — Taylors Corn Stores, Costa Coffee (Sutton), Lawrence Severn and Son

Shining Star in Sport
Winners — Brooke Butler; nominees — Darja Pilace, Ruby Adams, Paige Elliott

Shining Star in Academia
Winners — Boys’ Brigade, Hucknall

Shining Star in Art
Winner — Sarah Newcombe

STEM Inspiration Award
Winners — Innovation Centre Nottingham and Kier Group

Ashfield Community Organisation Award
Winners — Mansfield Boxing Academy, Kirkby, and Ashfield Voluntary Action; nominees —Ashwood Centre, Our Centre, Leons Legacy

Young Hero Award
Winner — Ruth Lamb

Venue of the Year
Ashfield Rugby Club, Mill Waters Café, Arunothai

Ashfield Hero Award
Winner — Claire Finn for Ashfield Virtual Arts Festival; nominees —Jim Radburn, Carers in Hucknall; Matt Williams, litter picking volunteer; Lynne Ryland, OT Fundraisers Food Club; Owen Towle, OT Fundraisers Food Club; Simon Martin, ATTFE Let’s All Eat; Matt Limer, Nottingham Printing

Park of the Year
Winner — Huthwaite Welfare Park

Health & Wellbeing Project Award
Winner — Active Minds Boxing; nominees — Carers Roadshow, Trevor Clower; Feel Good Families, Ashfield District Council; Ashwood Community Bike Project; Revolution Gym

Ashfield Carer Award
Winner — Andrea Reeves; nominees — Joan Cannon, Sharon Gregory, Rachael Weaver, Anne Morecroft

Ambassador Award
Winners — Sue West, TC Threads; Jackie West, Keycraft; Lynn Riley, Ashfield Play Forum; Hayley Carrington, Asda

Coun Matthew Relf, executive member for regeneration and transformation, who presented the STEM Inspiration Awards, said: ‘There are many wonderful and innovative businesses here in Ashfield, and I’m proud to say that we are attracting more.

“The awards is one way we are able to celebrate the achievements of local people.”

Council chief executive Theresa Hodgkinson added: “The Discover Ashfield Awards are a fantastic opportunity to recognise all the hard work and dedication from organisations and individuals across Ashfield.

“All those involved should feel very proud of their achievements.”

The district’s photography competition was showcased with winning images by Mia Ludlam, Adrian Seaman and Rachel Collins on display.