Maldon Town Council hosted the Pride of Maldon Awards on Monday with eight awards recognising those unsung heroes and their great work behind the scenes.

The prestigious Pride of Maldon Award 2022 went to Jill Hipsey for her many years of volunteering in the Maldon community.

Jill is currently the chairman of the Twinning Association as well as being a trustee and chairman of the Maeldune Trust.

David Ogg presented Pride of Maldon Award to Jill Hipsey

She is an ambassador for Maldon, educating school children about the town’s heritage.

Then mayor David Ogg said: “Jill’s commitment to Maldon is outstanding and she is a very worth recipient”.

Read more >>> Here are all the community heroes in this year's Pride of Maldon awards

The recipients of the other awards were:

Citizen of the Year

Harriet Phillips received this award for her commitment to making a difference.

She is recognised at a national level after speaking at the recent COP26 summit, and is an asset to Maldon.

Harriet Phillips was awarded Citizen of the Year

Mr Ogg said: “I truly believe that Harriet has the ability to make significant changes for the better through her climate change campaign.”

Educator of the Year

This was presented to Phil Brown, headteacher of All Saints Primary School.

Phil Brown Educator of the Year

Several years ago he started intergenerational engagement between his pupils and a nearby care home, which has proved to be of great benefit to both the students and the elderly.

Community Impact Award

Julie Taylor was awarded for her work at St Peter’s Café, and supporting individuals and families in need all year round.

Flo Shaughnessy presented the award to Julie Taylor

A spokesman for the town council said: “A former Pride of Maldon award winner, she continues to be very worthy of recognition in the town.”

Long Service Volunteer

Bob Adams is a long-term volunteer with many Maldon groups and has been doing all kinds of projects since the 1970s.

Bob does great work with local horticulture and the Men's Shed initiative.

Mark Heard presented the award to Bob Adams

His willingness to share his considerable gardening and woodworking expertise with so many organisations has been recognised with this award.

Best Business Contribution to the Community

James Hammond from Reeve & Son (Maldon) Ltd was born and bred in Maldon, a second generation owner of a unique shop which has been a feature of the High Street for years.

The award was presented by Michael Pearlman to James Hammond

Reeves helped people to continue with DIY during the pandemic. James' shop has proven to be a real asset to the town.

Art and Culture Award

Lynda O’Brien, manager of the Maeldune Centre, was awarded for her positive energy and commitment developing the centre into a cultural and artistic hub for Maldon.

New town mayor Andrew Lay awarded Lynda O’Brien

The council praised her determination, fortitude and commitment during the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Young Achiever of the Year

Caitlin Pease has a wealth of experience in helping the community, despite her age.

She has been selling homemade items with 100 per cent profits for charities in the area and organisations including St Peters Café and the Maldon Petting Zoo.

Lillian Dowling handed the award to Caitlin Pease

She is one of 25 unsung heroes to feature in the book about kindness during the Covid-19 pandemic.

She has been recognised as a remarkable young person who really has made a difference using her own initiative and drive to do so.