Debut community awards show celebrates local heroes

Members of Tidy Randalstown accept the Antrim and Newtownabbey Litter Heroes Award on behalf of Teresa Duffy, Tidy Randalstown, with Joe Mahon and Live Here Love Here Manager, Jodie- Ann McAneaney.

It was another night of celebration for local community group Tidy Randalstown as Teresa Duffy picked up a Litter Hero award at the first ever Live Here Love Here Community Awards.

Organised by Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful and hosted by Lesser Spotted Ulster star Joe Mahon, the awards ceremony was filled with inspirational tales from volunteers who have instilled pride in their local communities through practical environmental action.

Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor John Scott commented: “On behalf of the people of the Borough, I would like to congratulate Teresa on winning her much-deserved award.

“She is a true inspiration and I am delighted her work and dedication to the community has been recognised. I would also like to congratulate Tidy Randalstown and Glas- Na- Bradan Conservation Association who received an honorary mention for the Spirit of Live Here Love Here award.”

Guests on the evening were entertained by music from talented, young musicians Fourte Strings and The Matt Evans Jazz Quartet. Adventurer.

Leon McCarron, who was the guest speaker for the night, encouraged volunteers to have a tenacious attitude in the face of adversity.

Whilst Martyn Todd, a Live Here Love Here Ambassador and member of the Saintfield Development Association, spoke of the journey of Live Here Love Here over the past three years, from the seedling civic pride campaign to the flourishing Live Here Love Here programme that it is today.

In total 12 awards were presented, rewarding work such as litter picks and community involvement. Fittingly, the bespoke award pieces were made out of recycled materials, by Sue Tinkler, Tinklertastic.

To find out more or get involved with Live Here Love Here visit www.liveherelovehere.org or contact [email protected].