UNSUNG heroes, determined entrepreneurs and community champions were recognised and celebrated at an evening to honour local heroes.

Sixteen winners from across north Essex were whittled down from hundreds of nominations for Dream 100’s annual awards.

Winners rubbed shoulders with radio broadcaster and host Dom Atkins, alongside Colchester magician Michael J Fitch and popstar Una Healy, formerly of The Saturdays.

Groups and individuals were praised for their kindness and campaigns which had enriched the lives of others.

Awards were given out to a number of deserving winners including family-run charity the Robin Cancer Trust which won Fundraiser of the Year.

Clacton and Frinton Gazette:

Toby Freeman with parents Lorna and Mark

The charity was set up in memory of Robin Freeman, of Wivenhoe, who died from germ cell cancer in 2011, aged 23.

And courageous three-year-old Sofia Harman, whose 999 call saved her mum’s life was all smiles when she accepted an Outstanding Bravery award.

The toddler helped emergency services locate the family’s home when mum Patricia Hannington collapsed from a heart condition while painting the kitchen.

Clacton and Frinton Gazette:

Patricia Hannington with Sofia Harman, Jack Burkett of Jump Street with Dom Atkins and Michael J Fitch

Miss Hannington said: “From the beginning I’ve been really surprised at the attention Sofia got but the main thing is it’s encouraging others.

“I’ve had so many messages from people all over the world - including the Sydney and New York - from parents saying they never thought to teach their children what to do in an emergency so young.

“To know the fact that she could help other people by what she’s done is amazing - she’s my little star.”

Hope Bowers, 19, of Clacton, won Young Entrepreneur of the Year, having established her own mobile hairdressing business, The Hair Fairy.

The former apprentice of Michelle’s hairdressers, in Walton, had dreamt of being a hair stylist since age 14 and said she was “over the moon” to win a category prize.

Clacton and Frinton Gazette:

Hope Bowers with partner Josh Williams at the ceremony

Proud mum Michelle Bowers, who attended the awards ceremony, which was held at Playgolf, in Colchester, said: “She’s made me and her dad so proud, she’s achieved so much.

“I’m amazed at what she’s done and it’s lovely she’s been recognised for all the hard work she’s put in.”

Staff at Oakwood Plough Corner, in Little Clacton, a centre for adults with learning difficulties, scooped an outstanding customer care award.

Community support worker Tony Brooke said he was “proud such a brilliant team won”.

He added: “We all work hard and have our customers at the centre of all we do.”

The final award of the evening went to retiring council dog warden Allen East, who received a lifetime achievement award and the ultimate Gold Award.

Clacton and Frinton Gazette:

Allen East receiving his Gold Award

The full list of winners:

Parent of the Year: Emily and Toby Sinclair, Weeley

Best Neighbour: Gary Player, Jaywick

Best New Business: Poppy’s Parlour, Clacton

Carer of the Year: Jill McCarthy, Harwich

Child of Courage: Maisy Kidd-Munnery, Dovercourt

Community Champion: Miranda Kelly, Clacton

Contribution to the Community: Natasha Potter, Clacton

Emergency Services Award: Essex Police Tendring District

Fundraiser of the Year: The Robin Cancer Trust, Colchester

Lifetime Achievement: Allen East, Clacton

Outstanding Bravery: Sofia Harman, Clacton

Outstanding Customer Care: Oakwood Plough Corner, Little Clacton

Teacher of the Year: Rebecca Stubbins, Elmstead Market

Unsung Hero: Kierran Pearce, Elmstead Market

Young Entrepreneur of the Year: Hope Bowers, Clacton

Gold Award: Allen East, Clacton