Dozens of public-spirited groups and individuals have been saluted by Medway Today in a scheme to honour ordinary folk for extraordinary achievements.

The paper devoted three pages to reports and pictures of recipients of the first Pride in Medway Awards.

They ranged from a boy who saved his mum’s life after her dressing gown caught fire to a council officer who helped to rid an estate of young yobs.

Medway Today teamed up with British Telecom, British Gas and Medway Council to launch the scheme in September. Awards are made in six categories – achievement, environment, courage, business success, job creation and community involvement.

Almost 40 people received certificates from Medway Mayor Dai Liyanage at the first awards ceremony. More certificates will be presented in June and there will be a gala awards night in September, when six finalists will receive trophies.

Senior Editor Ron Green said the ceremony had been a humbling experience.

“Every street has its hero and we love to write about them. But too often these good news stories pass us by.

“The sterling work of remarkable people…the large and small success of individuals…the sheer guts, determination and courage of everyday people.

“Sometimes, these unassuming people prefer to keep out of the limelight. Sometimes, though, their efforts have gone unrecognised because there hasn’t been an official way of saying thank you.

“Now there is.”

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