THREE people from Hereford who made a huge difference to their communities during the Covid pandemic have been recognised with a special BBC award.

Colin Taylor, Daniel Hoskins and Charli-Ann Stenner have all been rewarded with a Make a Difference award run by local radio station BBC Hereford and Worcester.

Thirty-two finalists from eight categories attended the awards ceremony, held at West Midland Safari Park last night.

Ms Stenner, who works at the National Star care facility in Ledbury Road, was recognised in the Keyworker category.

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She was nominated by mum Karen Bacciochi, who also attended the awards with her last night.

"Charli has been my son’s key worker for two years and I couldn’t wish for a better person to be involved with the wellbeing of my son Lewis," said Mrs Bacciochi.

Ms Stenner said after receiving her award: "I’m overwhelmed. This sort of thing doesn’t happen to me".

"I never expected to get an award for what I do every day at a job that I love. It’s the more rewarding job I have ever done."

Daniel Hoskins was rewarded in the Together category for his work on the Herefordshire Football Association HFA podcast series. 

Mr Hoskins, who is the former vice chair of the HFA youth council, opened up about his own experiences growing up and helped others in the process.

A tweet from the Herefordshire FA said: "Congratulations to Dan for winning the "Together award". Fully deserved, well done."

Also recognised at the ceremony was Colin Taylor. of Greyfriars Avenue.

He has been rewarded in the Best Neighbour category for his work helping out residents of the riverside community during the floods of the past three years.

Mr Taylor has taken to his boat to reach stranded neighbours during flooding during storms Franklin, Christoph and Dennis.

He has been monitoring flood water levels in the area and helping people prepare for the worst after heavy rain.

He also set up a local flood action group to encourage neighbours to install flood defences in their homes.

Mr Taylor told BBC Hereford and Worcester after his nomination: "If you can help people, the world is a better place. If they're safe, I'm happy."