IT WAS a night to celebrate the unsung heroes of our town.

Andover’s bravest and most selfless residents were rewarded for their valiant efforts this week at the annual Pride of Andover Awards.

The ceremony, now in its ninth year, was held at the Lights Theatre on Monday night with representatives from across the town coming together to celebrate our community heroes.

Twelve people, one band, and a very loveable dog, were honoured in this year’s ceremony, hosted as always by television personality Dame Esther Rantzen.

The awards have consistently produced a high calibre of entries and this year was no exception with emotional stories ranging from the setting up of life-changing community groups to battling addiction and illness.

Andover Town Band were the first to the stage, receiving a Highly Commended in the Citizenship Award, won by inspirational mum, Donna Jackson.

Mrs Jackson, who is due to give birth tomorrow, received the award for her work to improve the lives of children with Down’s Syndrome in the area, which included the setting up popular Facebook page ‘Frankie says Relax about T21’.

Next up was Young Person of the Year Award, won by 15-year-old Theo Youds for his dedication and commitment to the Andover Town Youth Council over the last three years.

Shortly after came Teacher of the Year, Debi Foynes, a hard-working higher level teaching assistant at Pilgrims Cross Primary School.

Following this came the Inspiring Others Award, which was won by Mandy O’Neil, whose touching story of recovery from addiction brought several audience members to tears.

Then came a light hearted moment when guide dog, Scott, was highly commended in the Services Award for his work in helping owner Steven.

Lauren Smith, who suffered an injury to her leg following an accident as a 4 Andover Advertiser 6 November, 2015 andoveradvertiser.co.uk child, was the winner of the award for going the extra mile to help others with disabilities, particularly through her work with Andover and District Mencap.

Next came the Heart of Gold Award, won by Nickie Stickley, who was praised for her work with Girl Guiding in the town and her work in local parenting groups and Andover Foodbank.

Matt Sheppard then took the stage to present the award in memory of his late wife and former Andover Vision director, Sue Sheppard.

Nicki Wallis, who sadly lost her battle to cancer in September, was highly commended posthumously while Teeanna Cleary-Skelton was named the winner for her success in the Duke of Edinburgh awards despite suffering a disabling illness.

Up next was Mayor’s Award which was won by 81-year-old Max Barnikel, who was commended for his tireless volunteering.

Finally came the overall Spirit of Andover Award, which was presented by the Mellor family.

A heavily pregnant Donna Jackson was named the winner and she told the Andover Advertiser: “I thought my waters were going to break when they read out my name - I was so shocked. I honestly didn’t think what I had done was a big thing compared to what other people had gone through, they are remarkable.

“But I’m delighted, it’s been lovely.”

List of Winners:

Andover IT Citizenship Award

Winner - Donna Jackson

Highly Commended - Andover Town Band

KP Safety Solutions Young Person of the Year Award

Winner - Theo Youds

Teacher of the Year Award

Winner - Debi Foynes

The Breeze Inspiring Others Award

Winner - Mandy O’Neil

Highly Commended - Jordan Simcox

Simply Health Services Award

Winner - Lauren Smith

Highly Commended - Scott the Dog

Bulpitt Print Heart of Gold Award

Winner - Nicki Stickley

Highly Commended - Lilly Lavan

Andover Gazette Sue Sheppard Award

Winner - Teeanna Cleary-Skelton

Highly Commended - Nicki Wallis

Mayor of Test Valley Award

Winner - Max Barnikel

Highly Commended - Paula Phip

David Mellor Family Jewellers Spirit of Andover Award

Overall Winner - Donna Jackson