The annual B&NES Community Awards were renamed this year to honour those who have given exceptional service to their community during the pandemic.

The Shining Light awards received 64 nominations for carers, local businesses, community shops and countless individuals.

Viewers of the online ceremony heard of the many acts of kindness that kept isolated people going through the darkness including those of key worker Caroline Huins of Writhlington.

She asked her managers at Tescos where she works late shifts, if she could take away the flowers that would have gone to waste. On her way home she separated them into smaller bunches and left these floral gifts on the doorsteps of her neighbours.

News of the Flower Fairy secret deliveries led back to Caroline being unmasked and now rewarded for her thoughtful gestures that lifted the hearts of many. Chew Valley nominations for Umang Patel of Pensford Post Office and the staff at the Stoke Inn, Chew Stoke.

Deliveries and takeaways were a lifeline during lockdowns when supplies were difficult and practicalities a challenge. Two local winners were announced.

Sam Oliphant and the Chew Chat volunteers were recognised for their tireless support of over 70 older people from the very start of lockdown.

Margaret “Vin” Daniels of Chew Stoke nominated Sam and her team and says: “They give up so much of their time.”

For Vin it was the support of a volunteer Buddy, Hayley Vince that kept her going. Sadly her husband passed away at the start of the pandemic and suddenly alone and then forced to stay at home, it was a devastating time.

Vin adds “ Hayley rings me every week to see that I am alright, a lifesaver really - people that care, all of them deserve a medal.”

The second award of the night went to Denise Perrin and the 80 volunteers who stepped up to provide essential outdoor support at the Midsomer Norton Vaccination site.

Three Valleys Health is a group of 9 rural surgeries and for them, ensuring that their own patients were looked after locally was of high importance.

Nearly 30,000 patients have received vaccinations with now 900 a day going through the site for their second dose jabs. Denise says: “We started with 350 a day and the increase is recognition of the confidence the clinical teams have in the volunteer marshals who are the patient’s first point of contact.

“They have been there through the snow and rain from early in the morning until the last patient leaves. Always with a welcoming smile and reassurance.

“They have been amazing as has Philip Edwards who came onboard to provide the vital technical support to keep things on track.”

Nominator Helen Harris of the Three Valley Health Primary Care Network said: “We could never have taken on this significant community based task without the support of Denise and the volunteers.