A big thank you to everyone who helped organiser Carolyn Cox and her helpers make Friday night’s Tenby Observer Community Kindness Awards night a phenomenal success.

“Kindness in this insecure and sometimes hostile world is so often overlooked,” she says. “But little people can make a huge difference.”

Kindly compèred by Cllrs Laurence Blackhall and Sam Skyrme-Blackhall, the Community Kindness Awards - now in its second year - was a special evening honouring our otherwise unsung local heroes.

At just 17, Young Hero Erin Morgan has shown great commitment, compassion and maturity in her role as Tenby’s first female town crier. Also an enthusiastic leader with Tenby Guides, Erin sets an example, inspiring young people to take an active role in the community.

The Dennis Café is one of the most special places in Tenby. This thoughtful family business not only supports local charities, football and events but also works with the National Trust to provide a beach wheelchair. Mike and Ebony take care of Castle Beach, clearing rubbish, emptying bins, sweeping the slipway and caring for anyone needing help on the beach.

Described as the ‘kindest person you could possibly ever meet’, Good neighbour Sarah Davies is a mum, runs her own business, works in the school and still has time to be there for everyone, putting others first and brightening their day.

Firefighter Lee Simmons’ bravery is matched only by his commitment to encouraging safety awareness as a fire safety officer. He has spent years fundraising for the Firefighters’ charity and dedicates a lot of time to organising the summer carnival.

Cheerful, kind and caring, Shane Roberts was nominated for every award! His commitment to remembrance, veterans and army and sea cadets earns him the title of Community Volunteer 2024 - proof that not all heroes wear capes.

With her bee-friendly garden on the Croft, volunteer Danuta Nash has done a fantastic job of combatting the decline of these critical pollinators.

We also heard about two amazing charities, Adam’s Bucketful of Hope and the James Criddle Foundation, and Laurence paid tribute to the late Mike Brew, museum volunteer.

We’re so proud to be at the heart of it: a local newspaper that, as one reader says, “always hears and values the quiet voices of amazing people”; proud to be part of such a kind, generous community, and proud of Carolyn. In her own words, “this event will get bigger and stronger.”