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Awards shining a light on people helping others

Tanya Gupta
BBC News, West Midlands
BBC Marva is wearing a blue top and black jacket and had long hair. Lionel is in a black suit and light shirt and cap with his arm round Marva and holding their awardBBC
Foster carers Marva and Lionel Warmington were among the 2024 winners

Nominations have opened for the 2025 BBC local radio Make a Difference Awards, which celebrate people who are doing good things for others and shine a light of some of the ways they have made a difference.

People can nominate their unsung heroes via the website and all BBC local radio stations will hold award ceremonies later this year.

Among those recognised last year was Tipton binman Steve Whitehouse, who saved three people from a fire.

Another winner was jacket potato seller Ben Newman – better known as social media sensation Spudman – who has brought thousands of people to Tamworth.

The 2024 winners included foster carers Marva and Lionel Warmington from Birmingham who had helped more than 150 children - Mrs Warmington described how about 30 years ago she thought "there was a better way to care".

Mr Whitehouse, who risked his life to save others after he spotted a fire, said: "I just did what I had to do, I was there at the right time."

Organisations that received awards included the Coventry and Warwickshire Charity Christmas Tree Collection, Shropshire Cat Rescue, Wellington Cycle Hub, and the Keep Tenbury Clean and Green Community Group.

Steve Whitehouse is wearing a black suit and T-shirt underneath and is smiling holding his award and smiling in the photo. Steve has dark hair and a beard and is wearing a gold-coloured watch on his left hand and his fingers are also tattooed.
Tipton binman Steve Whitehouse risked his life to save people from a fire

There are two new categories this year, the Young Hero Award for a person under 16 for their positive impact or an exceptional achievement and the Active Award for those who have used sport to improve lives.

Other categories include the Volunteer award for someone who gives time to help others, the Great Neighbour Award for those who make neighbourhoods better.

The Animal award is for an animal that has improved lives or people who improve animal welfare, and the Green award is for those who help their environment.

The final two categories are the Fundraiser award for those supporting good causes and the Community Group Award for people who have helped change lives of others in their community.

Tamworth Borough Council A man with a pink mohican and bushy dark beard smiles at the camera from a catering van. He is wearing an apron, and a pink T-shirt with a cartoon of his face on it. In the background are rows of jars on shelves, and a potato oven.Tamworth Borough Council
Businessman Ben Newman – aka Spudman – brought thousands of people to Tamworth

Make a Difference was set up during the Covid pandemic to recognise the everyday, unsung heroes who go the extra mile for others.

Nominations close on 31 March and winners will be announced in September.

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