Falmouth's community heroes were recognised and rewarded at an annual awards evening.

The event was hosted for the fourth year last night (6th) by Harbour Lights, with dinner, drinks and dessert laid on for Mayor Steve Eva and Mayoress Vicky Eva, invited guests, nominees and their friends and family.

They were on the lookout for anyone who deserves some recognition for their dedication and hard work for a good course, or the continuing support to the greater good or just a general good individual in Falmouth.

Harbour Lights owners Pete and Sue Fraser commissioned local sculpture Natasha Ratcliffe to design a bespoke award for the awards. Despite looking rather impressive and apt, having come from a fish and chip shop - the awards hold a secret. They're made from the same bronze as the fish in the pavement outside, which is a mixture of copper and tin, and the tin is from the wreck of the SS Cheerful. The vessel was a steam cargo ship that sank on its way from Falmouth to Liverpool when it collided with HMS Hecla, a munitions ship.

So as well as taking home funds to support their local cause the winners also take home a bit of Falmouth history.

The winner was Sophie Alway (Georgia's Voice). Georgia's Voice

offers free, confidential support groups for young women with mental health concerns. They offer a safe place for you to come and talk, listen or just be. Sophie Alway Sophie lost her daughter Georgia Gallaway to suicide in July 2020. However, off the back of such sad times, Sophie has done some incredible work, not just for Falmouth but for the whole of Cornwall. Through the passion and hard work of this amazing team at Georgia's Voice, they hope to reduce the rate of suicide of young women by making them realise they are not alone and this is not their only option. Through their network of support groups, they provide safe spaces for girls across Cornwall to talk, or not talk, somewhere that they really will be listened to with empathy, not judgement. "This is a much needed service and Sophie and her group have done amazing things in hoping so many young ladies," the nomination read. Sophie was the winner of the top prize of £300, plus fish and chips for a year. Sophie said: "I was amazed I had been nominated and to win was quite overwhelming. The £300 will be a real boost too. The fish and chips for a year is such a treat." The runners up were Keith Collings and Lynn Newsham. Lynn Newsham Lynn has dedicated her interests to improving the area around Boscawen Fields. Forming a group that has managed to fund £40,000 for improvements such as seating, tables and more recently the coastal footpath between Gylly and Swanpool Beach. Come rain or shine Lynn has been out and about even with a broken ankle recently. The area would simply not be clean and tidy without Lynn's input and effort, Lynn has managed to obtain funding for steps, handrails, seating and stone picnic tables. Always looking for other ways to help the fields to attract visitors and residents alike. She puts her all into this project and it is only right that Lynn is recognised. Keith Collings Keith has been quietly helping the community for the last 40 years. He has been an active member of the rotary club since 1982, serving as their president in 1990/1991, he has led the club's community and vocational team, also helping to support numerous disadvantaged and vulnerable people. He set up The Falmouth Cruise Ship Ambassadors in 2006 and two years ago was asked to be the acting RNLI Water Safety Officer and is now leading a 12 strong team, teaching local school children how to stay safe on or near the sea. Keith is someone who gets stuck in whenever he sees someone who needs help. He still works his socks off getting up at an ungodly hour to set up for the day in all weathers knowing that we might well prefer to be elsewhere now we are both reaching our mid 70's. A special mention for two girls, young carers Sophia and Rose do a fantastic job in looking after their mums. There are plans for them to visit the restaurant for a meal, with the Harbour Lights team in the process of sorting that out for them. Pete Fraser added: "What a wonderful evening shared with some amazing people. It's impossible not to be inspired and have huge respect for all the people within our community doing more than their bit and seeing the difference we can make. It's humbling, so the least we can do is facilitate some recognition. Really looking forward to repeating this next year. Huge thanks to everyone involved." Click here to see more from Harbour Lights. [H3] See the latest news on our Twitter and Facebook pages. [.H2]