Meet our diamonds!

Those who give selfless service to others throughout the borough were honoured at a heart-warming celebration at Saxon Hall, Aviation Way, Southend.  

To mark their matchless contributions to life in Southend, our 54 diamonds were invited to a community reception where the Worshipful the Mayor of Southend, Councillor Sally Carr, presented them with unique certificates.  

They were all nominated for this special recognition, by members of the public, and selected by an awards panel.  

This Diamond Jubilee Champions scheme was designed to highlight those who carry out outstandingly good deeds which quietly and continually make a difference to others.  

It was one of Southend-on-Sea Borough Council's ventures to commemorate Her Majesty the Queen's 60th year on the throne.  

In addition to their certificates, Community Champions - who ranged in age from 16 to 92 - also received nostalgic copies of the Programme of Events organised across the Borough in 1953 to celebrate the Queen's Coronation.

Southend Radio's Dom Atkins hosted the ceremony in Saxon Hall, attended by other honoured guests too, including Southend Youth Mayor Zeeshan Mitha and Deputy Youth Mayor Martin Skam.  

The Worshipful the Mayor of Southend, Councillor Sally Carr said: "Congratulations to our terrific Diamond Jubilee Community Champions.

"We were delighted to give them the recognition they truly deserve, and publicly pay tribute to them for the remarkable service they give.  

"It has been wonderful to hear the stirring accounts of the very many ways people in Southend are helping each other every day.  

"We would also like to thank everyone who came forward so readily with nominations to share their gratitude for the assistance they and others receive."  

Visit: http://www.southend.gov.uk/communitychampions to meet our Diamond Jubilee Community Champions.