YOUR mental health champion - someone who has helped people come to terms with their mental health post-pandemic - has been announced.

In the past two months, The News and Star, Times and Star and Whitehaven News have worked alongside Sellafield in a bid to increase awareness of mental health charities in the region.

Working with mental health charities from across the region we released a series of videos showcasing the charities and what they offered.

And then we asked you to nominate your mental health champions.

Dozens of nominations were sent in and our winner is Kerry Irving - who raises awareness of mental wellbeing alongside the late 'Miracle Dog' Max, as well as Paddy and Harry.

During his life, 'Max the Miracle Dog', from Keswick, raised more than £450,000 for charities, alongside fellow pooches Paddy and Harry.

News and Star:

Sadly, Max passed away in April but Mr Irving still promotes mental wellbeing through social media with his canine companions.

There were some fantastic nominees this year - like Debbie Wood, chair of Outreach Cumbria, an LGBT+ organisation, was nominated for her work championing LGBT causes – including transgender wellbeing, all while working full-time.

While others looked further afield – nominating figures like Jaylo Miles, a Welshman who walks through Cardiff and the Brecon Beacons with his support owls, reaching out through social media and in-person events alike.

Tracey West, social impact manager for Sellafield Ltd, said: "Kerry has shown how doing something simple like getting out for a walk can help take your life in a different direction. Mental wellbeing is a big issue, particularly after the pandemic.

"When people are going through their darkest moments, Kerry has provided encouragement for those in similar situations. This campaign has been about raising awareness that there are groups out there that can help.

"Please reach out to them."