RESIDENTS, community groups and businesses across the district have been busy nominating for the Mayor's Local Hero Award.

This was launched in September to recognise those who have put others before themselves and supported those in need during the pandemic.

A total of 113 citations have been sent to Winchester City Council.

Mayor Cllr Patrick Cunningham said: "We were delighted to receive this fantastic response to the call for nominations for local heroes.

"Over 100 citations detailing extraordinary acts of selflessness during a time which has been most challenging for everyone just poured in.

"Reading how local residents have been picking up shopping, prescriptions or simply sitting down to have a friendly chat with a vulnerable member of the community has been truly heart-warming and reinforces the caring, neighbourly spirit that we are lucky to have right across our district.

“The range of people who are recognised is so broad – village shopkeepers, caring neighbours, a community magazine editor, food bank coordinators, NHS workers, Parish Councils and major institutions like Winchester College too.

"This whole exercise has reinforced my faith in the truly special people of the Winchester district and underscores my hope for a strong recovery as we rebuild – our community resilience will help us through.”

As well as the 113 individuals and groups who were nominated, 48 parish councils and 19 local community groups have also been recognised.

The certificates are still being sent out.

Due to social distancing restrictions a ceremony is not possible, so the Mayor has recorded a video which can be viewed at: https://youtu.be/NW_LIITjaFg.