'As volunteers and champions of the community, you truly make a difference in everyday life' - that was the message from Great British Bake Off contestant Kate Barmby as unsung community heroes were rewarded for all their efforts at a star-studded ceremony.

Mrs Barmby was the guest at the South Norfolk Community Awards at Dunston Hall on Thursday, February 9, presented by BBC Radio Norfolk presenter Nick Conrad and BBC Look East's Louise Priest.

The awards, organised by South Norfolk Council, started six years ago to honour those who give up their time for others without expecting anything in return.

Opening the awards councillor Clayton Hudson, cabinet member for stronger communities and leisure at South Norfolk Council, said: 'This year's judging was really hard.

'I want to say well done to all volunteers - without you, we can't have a community and the community really does matter.

'To be shortlisted shows you have stood out from the crowd. Everyone should be very proud.'

In her speech, Mrs Barmby said: 'As volunteers and champions of the community, you truly make a difference in everyday life.

'We all have different skills, but what you all have in common is that you care.

'All of you bring something valuable to the lives around you - and South Norfolk is all the better for it. Just having you around makes us all winners.'

The winners of each category will receive grants of £250 to put towards a charitable organisation of their choice.

This year's winners were: Volunteer of the Year - Rosemary Lee-Bliss; Young Volunteer of the Year - Kieran Blundell; Community Group of the Year - River Waveney Trust; Community Fund-raise of the Year - Samantha Johnson; Business Community Champion of the Year - Bailey's Fish and Chips; Community Well-being Group of the Year - Norfolk Knights Wheelchair Rugby; Lifetime Community Hero - Bob Shields.

The council received 60 nominations, of which 33 were shortlisted.

Sandra Dinnenn, chief executive of South Norfolk Council, added: 'Each year I am captivated by the stories we hear of selflessness, kindness and community spirit shown by people living within our district - and this year is no exception.'