AN EVENING of wit, charm and philanthropic tales was enjoyed by more than 200 guests at an awards ceremony this week.

The 10th annual Pride of Andover Awards celebrated the town’s unsung heroes at The Lights on Monday, October 17.

A big anniversary in itself, it sadly marked the last time Dame Esther Rantzen hosted the altruistic awards.

First up were four on-call volunteers who support the ambulance service, Andover First Responders, who received a Highly Commended in the Services Award.

Donna McCormack won the award for the support she provides Andover hospital.

Then 17-year-old Callum McGuire was called up to accept Young Person of the Year Award for his commitment to Andover Youth Council.

With a look of surprise, his political standpoint was quickly questioned by the evening’s witty host as to which US Presidential candidate he supported.

Next up was the Citizenship Award which was won by Janet Loader for her volunteering services, including 48 years with St John Ambulance.

Sheila Hindle was Highly Commended for the award for providing free English comprehension lessons to 15 Year 6 pupils.

Following this was Darren Molley who won the Inspiring Others Award for giving up his spare time to teach martial arts to adults and children with learning difficulties in his home.

An Andover Young Carers volunteer, Nik White, was Highly Commended for the award for his services to young members of the community.

Then came the Highly Commended for Teacher of the Year Award, in which Sarah Kirby was Highly Commended for supporting a student through his NVQ. The award went to Anna Fowles, Year 6 teacher at St Johns Baptist School, for the passion she inspires in her pupils.

The Heart of Gold Award went to 4 Toons who entertain senior audiences in care homes for charity, while Alan Jones was Highly Commended for servicing hearing aids at nursing and residential homes.

Before they left the stage, 4 Toons sang a quick rendition of Bring Me Sunshine as the audience clapped to the beat.

Mo Sweeney took the Sue Sheppard Award for his commitment to the community for the past 20 years.

He is joint head of Andover Radio and like so many of the other finalists, humbly accepted his award.

The Mayor’s Award was then presented to Elizabeth Hall MBE, who got a standing ovation.

The Mayor of Test Valley, Councillor Karen Hamilton, said: “You have inspired an organisation to drive forward.

“It felt absolutely fitting that you deserve the award from me.”

‘Liz’ Hall was then asked to stay on stage where David and Christine Mellor presented her with the Spirit of Andover Overall Winner Award.

The 90-year-old set up Andover and District Mencap more than 50 years ago.

Mrs Hall was inspired to set up the support group for people with disabilities and their families while bringing up her son, Jonathan, who had Down’s Syndrome and a severe heart condition.

Surprised at her second award, Mrs Hall was modest of her achievements, which have supported thousands of people.

Karen Hamilton, chairman of the awards, thanked sponsors for their support.

List of winners:

Simplyhealth Services Award

Winner - Donna McCormack

Highly Commended - Andover First Responders

Andover Gazette Young Person of the Year Award

Winner - Callum McGuire

The Basingstoke Foot Clinic Citizenship Award

Winner - Janet Loader

Highly Commended - Sheila Hindle

Breeze Radio Inspiring Others Award

Winner - Darren Molley

Highly Commended - Nik White

Stannah Teacher of the Year Award

Winner - Anna Fowles

Highly Commended - Sarah Kirby

New Street Dental Care Heart of Gold Award

Winner - 4 Toons

Highly Commended - Alan Jones

The Commercial Centre Sue Sheppard Award

Winner - Mo Sweeney

Mayor’s Award

Winner - Elizabeth Hall MBE

Highly Commended - Graeme Davis

David Mellor Family Jewellers Spirit of Andover Award

Overall Winner - Elizabeth Hall MBE