THERE were tears amongst the cheers on Wednesday night as the town’s unsung heroes shared their stories at the Pride of Andover awards.

The event celebrated those in the town who make a difference to others and was an opportunity to shine a light on their recent achievements.

Dave Cosgrove was the evening’s first award-winner. He has generated more than £25,000 for charity over the years, earning him the Fundraiser award, with Katlyn Smith highly commended.

Andover Parkrun director Simon Eggington was named Community Champion, with Jackie Welfare being highly commended.

The evening’s youngest winner was Emily Bentham, claiming the Young Person of the Year award after setting up an animal rescue centre in her own back garden. Dance World Cup star Logan Morriss was highly commended.

The Inspiring Others award went home with Jordan Wylie, who just pipped the highly commended Katherine Bird.

Mark Leech, from the White Hart, won the Service award having offered free accommodation to those affected by the Ocado fire in February, and John Ritchie, whose “drive for the arts will be remembered for years to come,” scooped the Arts award.

There was nearly no recipient of the Heart of Gold award – winner Derek Weeks confessed he thought the ceremony was on Thursday until a phone call from Icknield school headteacher, Sean Cannon, reminded him.

Derek donates gifts to children at Icknield school and Sean describes him as “the best” man. Highly commended in the category was Alyson Godman.

Fearless Chloe Plummer, who works at Enham Trust and recently completed a skydive – with many more still to come, she hopes – won the Sue Sheppard award, and the Mayor of Test Valley award went to Suzy Cogan who has sourced raffle prizes for more than 500 events.

And it was birthday boy Jordan Wylie who scooped his second award of the evening as he claimed the Spirit of Andover award.

A huge well done to all award winners and everyone involved with the ceremony.