Charity fundraisers and a brave teenager were recognised for their achievements at an awards ceremony.

The Maldon Mud Race organisers received a special award in the Pride of Essex Awards for charity fundraising.

This year’s event raised more than £52,500.

And Annie Wheate, 14, from South Woodham Ferrers, was highly commended in the Child of Courage category.

She has a form of cerebral palsy, which affects her ability to walk, but now attends dance classes despite discomfort and pain and is determined not to let her disability stop her living life.

The Pride of Essex Awards were first started 20 years ago by Susie Cornell. The main sponsor is Directa UK Ltd, based in Cold Norton.