Devon Make a Difference Awards finalists announced
In their fourth year, the awards recognise and celebrate local people who make a positive contribution to communities across the county.
The competition is made up of eight categories, with a total of 32 finalists, and this year's awards also recognise animals that make a difference and people working in animal welfare.
Devon finalists include charities, community organisations and sports clubs, as well as energetic individuals committed to bringing people together, fundraising for good causes and caring for others.
Awarded to an individual who makes a notable difference to their community by giving their time voluntarily to help others.
Derrick Lawson – a volunteer who uses his life experience in and out of prison to help others
Richard Allen - working with Budleigh Lions Club and Lions across the South West
Zoe Allars – who runs the 729 Club for people with learning disabilities living in Honiton
Trish Jones – supporting the memory cafe, and carers groups in Silverton
Awarded to an individual or group of people who have used physical activity or sport as a way of improving the lives of those in their community.
Phoenix Rising in Torbay – for using exercise to help transform the lives of women who have experienced domestic abuse
The Pisces Club in Plymouth – for enabling disabled people to enjoy swimming
Devon Deaf Rugby in Exeter – for bringing deaf and hearing-impaired players to the pitch
The Groovement Project in Plymouth – an inclusive dance company for children and adults
Awarded to an individual or group of people who make where live a better place by caring for the environment and nature.
Vic Hibbert - for the YMCA Plymouth garden supplying fruit and vegetables for the food bank
The Plympton Litter Pickers - for keeping their part of Plymouth clean and environmentally engaged
Hannah Beaumont in Brixham - for recycling and upcycling what she finds on her Torbay litter picks and beach cleans
Proper Job on Dartmoor - one of the first community reuse centres in the country
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Awarded to an individual or group of people who have gone the extra mile to raise funds for a good cause.
The Oarsome Foursome - four girls under 10 running and kayaking for YMCA Exeter
Adam Baker and Charlie Fleury - A&E doctors taking on cold water challenges for the Ocean Conservation Trust
Jade Allen – for raising funds to enable her sister to have treatment for a rare brain tumour
James Lake – for climbing Everest to support research into Huntingdon's disease
Awarded to an animal that improves the life of an individual or group of people. Or a person or group of people working with animals to improve animal welfare.
Digby – the Australian labradoodle therapy dog for the Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service
Prickles in A Pickle – the Stoke Fleming hedgehog rescue, caring for over 1000 poorly or injured hedgehogs each year
K9 Focus – the dog and cat rescue and rehoming charity in Barnstaple
Munchkins Miniature Shetland Rescue – giving ponies long-term care and a homes
Awarded to someone under 16 who has made a positive impact in their community or achieved something exceptional.
Dan – a fundraiser, campaigner and radio presenter in Paignton helping other young people
Georgina – coping with her own health to support her younger brother's complex needs
Henry – who campaigns for families affected by cancer – and is training for the Paralympics
Hugo – "the lemonade boy" who makes and selling drinks to raise funds for the Make A Wish Foundation
Awarded to an individual who helps to make the neighbourhood a better place to live or work, either on a regular basis or through a single act of kindness.
Vicki Owens in Lympstone – cooking Sunday lunches for ex-service and older people in her community
Helen Jones in Willand – a parish councillor who started the food pantry in the village
Abigail Daly in Plymouth – a student supporting students with learning disabilities
Sue Nicholson - the inspiration for the Membury Mercury magazine and the Membury Merrymakers
This award is supported by Morning Live, and awarded to a group of people who have helped to change the lives of others within their community
The Benita Project in South Molton – serving meals and offering courses in cookery and budgeting
Authoring Our Own Stories – a young people's group educating people about cultural identity
The Youth Arts and Health Trust based in Exeter – supporting young people and families facing mental health challenges
The Mid-Devon Messenger – a talking newspaper, keeping visually impaired people up to date with news, events and activities in their area
Follow BBC Devon on X, Facebook and Instagram. Send your story ideas to spotlight@bbc.co.uk.
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