HEROES of the Carlisle community were recognised for their heroic efforts in a ceremony.

During a special event at the Shepherd’s Inn in Carlisle, the city council announced their 2019 winners.

There were seven awards given out at the ceremony on Wednesday night.

Celia and Paul Diggle, of Wetheral received an award.

Paul, was one of the original movers behind the Wetheral Community Association, and has been a director for almost 10 years,

Under his leadership, WCA has managed the building and now the purpose-designed community hall for Wetheral.

The project has taken 15 years.

The citation, read out at the ceremony, said: “Without Paul’s imagination, drive and sheer hard work, it would never have been achieved.”

Former art teacher Celia has used her talents to give “immeasurable enrichment to the ambience of the hall.”

Mayor Jessica Riddle said: “This award is for a husband and wife team who have been willing to put their talent and enthusiasm, separately and together, into the life of the Wetheral community.”

Winners Paul and Kerry Donaldson were described as “two of the most caring people anyone could ever wish to meet”. They both care for their disabled daughter Emily.

Paul also set up Carlisle Cult Cinema Club, which meets once a month at the Harraby campus.

And Kerry, who has concerns about litter and the environment, set up Carlisle Litterbug Initiative.

Mrs Riddle said: “They have created a safe space for people, who may under everyday conditions, feel socially awkward, to not only meet up and interact, but to make our city a better place.”

Kim Trotter and Billie Percival were nominated from Carlisle Trampoline Club.

They both give up their time to coach youngsters - as well as bringing up their own families.

Mrs Riddle said: “They both work selflessly for their sport and the community - which is their passion - and are continuously fundraising in order to purchase everything from trampolines to mats to keep the club going.”

Michael Pearson was a winner for his role as a trustee and chairman of the charity Hospice at Home Carlisle and North Lakeland.

He is also chairman of the Cumberland Building Society Charitable Foundation and is a past President of the Rotary Club of Carlisle.

He is also a past governor of Stanwix School and a church warden of St Michael’s Church in Stanwix. He has also sat on lots of other committees.

Mrs Riddle said: “Michael has been a wonderful champion for his community and it is with great pleasure that I nominate hin for this award.”

Former Mayor and postman David Wilson is a community champion in Upperby and Currock.

He has several roles, including trustee of Petteril Bank community centre and the weekly Petteril Bank bingo night - which has a cult following.

He is also on the committee of Upperby parish hall and a regular attender at Friends of Hammonds Pond meetings.

Mrs Riddle said: “Regardless of his position of responsibility he has always been and continues to be a servant of his local community.”

Colin Carter and Cath Wilson, who are staunch supporters of the Mayor’s Charity Committee, were awarded for their fundraising efforts.

They organised a Valentine’s Ball and Cath did a sky dive for the Mayor’s Charity Fund.

Mrs Riddle said: “All this fundraising is done in their spare time, while working full time, and despite difficult personal circumstances.”

The Royal British Legion, Carlisle and Stanwix Branch received a special award. Since 2006 it has raised more than £1m.