IT WAS a chance to celebrate those unsung heroes of our communities who devote thousands of hours of their time for the sake of making things better for others.

The Heart of the Community Awards brought together under one roof dozens of people from organisations, charities, schools and groups who enjoyed a pat on the back, dinner and wine and picked up cash prizes for their projects.

The awards, now in their eighth year, are organised by AXA PPP Healthcare and the Courier Media Group. Groups nominate themselves for a share of the £10,000 prize fund with nine of the 11 winners chosen by Courier readers.

More than 2,800 people voted via text or by filling in coupons printed in the paper. Speaking at a bash at AXA's new offices in Forest Road, Tunbridge Wells, the company's partnership and people director Sonia Wolsey-Cooper said: "I don't think there is a more noble way of spending your time than to make things better for people.

"We want to let you know how special you are."

The event was also attended by Courier editor Ian Read along with special guest Tunbridge Wells MP Greg Clark, who paid tribute to the "commitment and passion" of those in the audience.

He added: "Your organisations would not exist without you.

"I think we are incredibly fortunate to live in a place that is teeming with life and full of diversity and anyone looking at this community couldn't do anything but conclude that this is a place of infinite possibilities. I think people would envy what we have here."

He said it was an "honour and a privilege" to be present to hear the winners of the environment, community and education awards.

Mr Read told the audience: "As a newspaper editor I am acutely aware of how local communities are knitted together by the people within them. Without people like you giving up their time, campaigning so passionately and striving to make people's lives better, our communities would be nowhere near as vibrant as they are."

First prize in the community award category went to computer education centre Compaid.

Its manager Sonia Watson said: "We are all so pleased. It is nice to be able to go back to the clients and say we have got the award because we put in for this award for them."

Compaid will use the money for equipment and specialist adapted furniture for its new centre in Paddock Wood.

Winners of the environment award were The Barna-Bus Pre-School at St Barnabas Church which will use the money for an outside learning space.

Manager Pippa Anderson said: "It means an awful lot to the children in our community because it will enable us to develop our outdoor area and it will enhance their learning."

The education award went to Leigh Primary School, which needs to raise £96,000 for a new classroom.

Head teacher Ani Lawrence said: "It is evidence of the support from the local community and parents for a really necessary project which will enhance our pupils' lives. We are a very small school and a lot of the schools that took part were significantly bigger.

"This is nothing short of miraculous."

One of two AXA Heart Awards, chosen by the company for special attention, went to the Sherwood Events Team led by Edna Edwards.

Member Jo Birkby said: "She is relentless in her work and we are holding this award for her. It means a lot to all of us."