Local heroes receive sweet awards

A tireless fundraiser, a dedicated teacher and a loving father were among the winners at a special awards ceremony that celebrated local superheroes, organised by the popular family attraction Cadbury World.

The Cadbury World Superheroes Awards looked for six people from local communities who might otherwise go unnoticed, but whose everyday actions deserve to be recognised.

Winners included social worker Thom Richardson, who won the award for ‘Friend of the year’, teacher Joanne Jopling, who was recognised as ‘Teacher of the year’ and volunteer Norman Swan, who scooped the ‘Highly commended’ award.

The other winners were Antony Biglane, who won the award for ‘Family member of the year’ and foster mum Valerie Rhodes, who was named ‘Exemplary member of the community’. A ‘Special recognition’ award was given to Mark Dabbs for his services to the local community.

Gerrard Baldwin, general manager at Cadbury World who helped to judge the awards, said:
“This is the first time we have held the Cadbury World Superheroes Awards and I would like to say a big thank you to everyone who has submitted an entry. We received some fantastic nominations from people across all parts of the UK, as far afield as Cornwall, and it has been a very difficult judging process. All our winners have shown amazing dedication and support to the people around them and their actions have demonstrated that it isn’t about doing anything extraordinary, but simply helping to make someone else’s life that little bit better.” 

Winners in each of the categories received a family pass to Cadbury World and a Cadbury hamper filled with treats including a personalised chocolate plaque.

For more information about the Cadbury World Superheroes Awards, or to plan a visit to the attraction, go to www.cadburyworld.co.uk.