Wiltshire’s unsung heroes were awarded at the pioneering People of Wiltshire awards evening held at the Corn Exchange, Devizes on Monday, May 20th.

The awards ceremony was the culmination of a month long campaign on BBC Wiltshire Sound and in local newspapers. A panel of judges had to choose six category winners from more than 400 nominations.

BBC Wiltshire Sound presenters Sandy Martin and Nyree Fernandes who opened the ceremony.

The ceremony was opened by BBC Wiltshire Sound presenters Sandy Martin and Nyree Fernandes and compered by BBC Points West presenter, Susan Osman.

The event had been organised by Wiltshire County Council in partnership with many statutory organisations and sponsorship from leading businesses within the county, with assistance from media partners including the BBC.

Council Leader Peter Chalke congratulated the organisers and those who were nominated. He also believed that the event “was the first of its kind in the country, an achievement of which Wiltshire should be proud.”

Sporting success award – sponsored by Persimmon Homes -  Norman Butler

Rowing 3,100 miles across the Atlantic in 82 days, just one week after your wife has given birth to your first child was just one of the reasons that Norman Butler of West Swindon won the ‘Sporting Success Award.’

A special message was received from Olympic rowing medallist Steve Redgrave who stated “It is a great achievement and you have shown great strength, courage and dedication.”

In his acceptance speech, Butler admitted he had been an under-achiever at school, but had shown in his success that “through hard work and dedication you can achieve your dreams.”

He is already planning his next challenge, a 130-mile run across the Sahara desert.

Employer of the Year – sponsored by Business Link – Garry Hatto

Free trips to New York, opportunities to rent low cost accommodation and the loan of the bosses Aston Martin are just some of the benefits for the employees of Wiltshire barber Gary Hatto, and the reason why he won the ‘Employer of the Year’ award.

Gary, 36, who has branches in Marlborough, Devizes, Chippenham and Melksham was nominated by his staff who praised the respect and support he gave his staff.

Characteristically humble Mr Hatto told the Corn Exchange audience, "This is surely not an award just for me, but also for my dedicated team of boys. I am flattered to have been nominated for this award."

Youth Award – sponsored by Nationwide – Tom Woolford

Youth Award winner Tom Woolford

Tom Woolford, 17, of Salisbury has successfully worked with the County Council and local bus companies to arrange half price fares for young people.

He has also tirelessly campaigned for the active involvement of youngsters in the Wiltshire Youth forum, alongside playing in his band Red Shift, raising money for local charities.

Tom’s achievements are made all the more special by the fact that he is currently studying for his A-levels and hopes to go to Cambridge University.

On accepting his award he joked he was so active because “there would be no excuse to sit in and watch the poor daytime television.”

He also paid tribute to his late grandfather and his grandmother, who had nominated him for the award.

Carer in the Community – sponsored by Order of St Johns Trust and Wiltshire County Council Social Service - Mary Lowe

Discovering that her son had fallen prey to drug addiction caused Swindon resident Mary Lowe, of Park North to set up a drug action centre in her community. She tirelessly worked to set up ‘Stepping Forward’ to help drug users and those in need of support.

Carer in the Community Award winner Mary Lowe on the right.

Known to the community as “Auntie Mary” she devotes many hours a week to the centre, often looking after children or staying up over night with those who have nobody else to turn to.

On accepting her award, Mrs Lowe was characteristically humble, stating ‘I don’t see myself as a hero, I am not a hero. I’m a mum.”

She is now working towards the development of a another centre in Swindon.

Environment Award – sponsored by Hills Waste – Oakfrith Work project

Following an appeal by Wiltshire County Council and the owners of Urchfont Manor the Friends of Oakfrith Wood was formed.

The group of volunteers, who range in age from their teens to their eighties have worked together to plant new areas of woodland, clear paths and create a management plan to ensure future development of the wood. Many of the volunteers spend their Saturdays with the working group as well as working on separate projects within the week.

Chairman of the Friends Patrick Clark said: “From it’s ancient past, we are now enjoying the wood’s glorious present and looking forward to its bright future.”

Good Neighbour Award – sponsored by Virgin Mobile – Ken Monk

Good Neighbour Award winner Ken Monk

Building a shed for a neighbour, welcoming new residents with a barbecue, assisting with hospital transport for villagers and offering his decorating services for free are just some of the reasons why Ken Monk, 60, of Enford was nominated for the Good Neighbour Award.

Ken, also a tireless supporter of the Soldiers’, Sailors’ and Airmen’s family association was nominated by the Parish Council Chairman Gill Clarke, who said: “You can always depend on Ken.”

On accepting his award Ken said “I am embarrassed and surprised. A lot of people out there do more work in their communities than I do.”