LAST Friday night was a special evening celebrating the strength of community spirit in Thurrock.

The borough’s Civic Awards took place at the Civic Hall, Grays, and was a night of recognition and celebration which comes around every two years.

It champions those who quietly go about their business in the borough – making a real difference to people’s everyday lives in a no fuss, “that’s just what I do” kind of way.

Someone who epitomises the awards is postman Philip Taynton, who goes above and beyond, week in week out.

He was praised for the care, attention and empathy he has shown customers on his rounds in Bulphan, and beyond, over a 30-year period. Often taking the time to knock on doors and chat to people, particularly elderly folk. For some living on their own he may be the only person they get to chat to that day.

Philip was one of nine winners, and scores of finalists who were all worthy winners in their own right. The awards was fittingly presented by one of the borough’s favourite sons, the charismatic Paralympic hero Danny Crates. Danny, who lost an arm in an accident while travelling in Australia, went onto to become a Paralympic world record holder and won gold medals in a number of international competitions, notably the 2004 Paralympics Games in Athens.

A Thurrock role model and a true source of inspiration himself, he was ideal for the job.

It was humbling to be part of a night which shone a bright light on those who don’t seek the limelight and instead spend their lives selflessly focusing on making other people’s lives better.