People who inspire others and make a difference to their neighbours and the wider West Norfolk community were honoured at a special awards night.

King's Lynn Town Hall was packed for Freebridge Community Housing's annual awards bash on Friday night.

Ray Johnson, the housing association's chairman, told them: 'At Freebridge, we know that we have many tenants who get involved by volunteering in the communities they live in.

'We also know that without the time and effort these people put into our communities, they wouldn't be the same.'

Craig Larkin, who runs the disabled fishing lake at Lynnsport, was named community champion. His citation said he always gave 100pc, but also had a sense of humour.

'Lewis Hemeter, deputy manager for Lynnsport, will often receive a toy rat as a reminder to deal with any vermin problems,' it added. 'Lynnsport needs customers like Craig, who help to make it the unique facility that it is.'

Being confined to a wheelchair doesn't stop John Mace playing a vital part in the social club on his sheltered housing scheme and raising money for the Lynn-based Forward Futures charity. His citation for the inspiration to others award said: 'John is a member of the Sutton Lea Social Club and is always willing to help out with anything that needs doing. He is a very busy, productive person and deserves an award for what he does in the community.'

David Green won the good neighbour award for helping to keep his block of flats, Highgate, clean and tidy – as well as keeping an eye out for his neighbours. When one of them got into rent arrears and was at risk of losing his home, Mr Green played 'a vital role', working with housing officers to help resolve the situation.

'Had Mr Green not got involved, then there would have undoubtedly been a very different outcome for his neighbour,' his citation said.

Student Jonathan Smith won the Shining Star award, for his successful campaign to keep Plaxtole House, a residential centre for people with physical and learning disabilities open.

When he heard it was threatened by college cut-backs, he set up a website and facebook page, wrote to his MP Henry Bellingham and collected signatures for a petition.

'This student was instrumental in keeping Plaxtole House open,' his citation said. Students from the facility, which is now run by Freebridge and has its official re-opening this week, were in the audience to see Mr Smith collect his award from KLFM presenter Adam Newstead.

Cher Littlewood-Glynn won the employee achievement award, who was described as 'marvellous' by tenants at Hillington Square. Her citation said: 'Since Cher has begun working on Hillington Square, she has been welcomed by the local residents who appreciate having a familiar face on the estate. She has been complimented for always putting forward new ideas and recommending changes to improve the Square, and is consistently enthusiastic.'

The Purfleet Trust, a charity which helps single homeless people rebuild their lives, won the special community award.