Two dedicated volunteers have been named west Cumbria's man and woman of the year.

Mark Andrews and Joan Capp were awarded prestigious awards at the West Cumbria Community Heroes awards.

The glitzy gala-ceremony, at Whitehaven Golf Club, held last night, celebrated the unsung heroes of Copeland and Allerdale.

In addition to the 11 categories, there was also three additional awards.

Mrs Capp, 84, from Bootle was named West Cumbria's woman of the year.

She launched Bootle Refugee Aid Cumbria UK (Bracuk) in 1991, in the midst of the Bosnian refugee crisis, and registered as a charity in 1999.

Since then Mrs Capp has tirelessly collected donations and travelling to war-torn and crisis-hit countries to deliver humanitarian aid to those who need it.

Mrs Capp's nominator said: "She is now working harder than ever, trying to bring a glimmer of hope to refugees spread across the globe."

Mr Andrews was recognised for his part in a long-list of fundraising ventures which have benefited individuals, charities and groups across the community.

He has been involved with The Charlie and Kathleen Dunnery Children's Fund since its launch.

He has also helped raise cash for the Greenbank Community Fund, Rosehill Youth Theatre and has organised numerous fundraisers for one-off projects.

The judges special award was awarded posthumously to Linda Johnston. She has been remembered and celebrated for her achievements as a hard-working adult volunteer for Cumbria Army Cadet Force (ACF).

Judges said: "Major Linda Johnston was not only a volunteer herself; she was committed to helping and supporting other volunteers. She was a passionate educator and championed the cause of cadet and adult volunteer education.

"Her contribution throughout West Cumbria was enormous."

The evening was filled with tales of big-hearted community folk going that extra mile to make life better for those around them.

Winners included Craig Hatch, of Great Broughton, who was named Carer of the Year, Sophie-Leigh Sill won the Young Achiever of the Year category, Anne Kelly, of Whitehaven, won the Unsung Hero of the Year award and Margaret McIntyre was crowned Volunteer of the Year.

See Monday's News & Star and next week's Whitehaven News and the Times & Star for full details of winners.