They come from different backgrounds and have their own individual talents, but five winners from the Falmouth and Helston area all have something in common - they are 'heroes' in their community.

The quintet were among the 15 individuals and organisations recognised at this year's Pirate FM Local Heroes Awards, held at Tregenna Castle in St Ives, which celebrated ordinary people doing extraordinary things across Cornwall.

771 Naval Air Squadron - Coastal Rescue Award and Winner of Winners

For more than 40 years they have been saving lives both inland and at sea, winning countless awards in the process.

Now 771 Naval Air Squadron from RNAS Culdrose, which was decommissioned last month, has added to the haul after receiving the Coastal Rescue Award, before going on to be named Winner of Winners.

The crewmembers behind Cornwall’s lifesaving helicopters were recognised for providing search and rescue services across the county.

Based out of the Helston naval base, the red and grey Sea King helicopters were a regular sight in the skies of Cornwall, helping to rescue thousands of people before being replaced by a private service being operated from Newquay.

Lieutenant Commander Andy Watts said: "We’re extremely pleased and quite surprised that we’ve won this award.

"We have been involved in search and rescue down here since 1974, so we hope that our impression has been good and we’ve done a good job."

He said missions could be a traumatic experience for the casualty, as the aircrafts were loud, dark and could experience bumpy conditions, so their aim was to get the casualty to hospital as fast as they could.

"When they arrive, and the patient grabs my hand, squeezes and mouths 'thank you' – that’s the best reward," he added. "We must not forget the engineers who support us, all our support staff and Culdrose itself. Of course, we work closely with the other emergency services – we are part of a team."

Tracy Carroll - Sports Achievement Award

Organ transplant patient Tracy Carroll, from Helston, has defied the odds to win a number swimming medals and represent her country, and has now been recognised with the Sports Achievement Award.

Tracy, finance director at Frugi, was diagnosed with kidney failure in 2010 and received a lifesaving transplant from her mum Angela in January the following year. Due to Tracy's illness she had not been able to go for short walks, let alone exercise fully.

An advocate of the NHS organ donation scheme, Tracey decided to train in swimming and in 2014 took part in the British Transplant Games.

She was then selected to represent Team GB in the 2015 World Transplant Games in Argentina. Tracy surpassed all expectations coming home with six medals (three gold, one silver and two bronze) in the swimming events.

Kathryn Hines - Fundraiser of the Year Award

A dedicated Helston woman who has raised thousands of pounds for lifesaving equipment was named Fundraiser of the Year at the ceremony.

In 2014, Kathryn Hines’ husband Andrew suffered a sudden heart-attack in their driveway. He sadly passed away, but gave Kathryn inspiration to help raise money to fund a number of lifesaving defibrillators in Helston.

She was nominated by friend and work colleague Janice, recognising her courage and the difference she has made to the community.

Janice said: “Kath witnessed the ambulance crew trying to revive Andrew, and with a weak pulse he was rushed to Treliske where they were unable to save him.

“Kath and her daughters, Abigail and Emily were absolutely devastated. He was Kath’s soulmate and they are the nicest couple anyone would ever have the privilege to meet.

"After a few months Kath decided to set up a charity to raise funds for three 24 hour defibrillators to be set up around Helston."

Through the Andrew Oliver Big Heart Fund, Kathryn arranged a number of fundraising activities to purchase three 24-hour public-access defibrillators.

However, after meeting that target she decided to continue, and the sixth one is about to be installed.

"She has no plans to stop raising money for these vital pieces of equipment as they could help save someone’s life," Janice added.

"For Kath to pick up the pieces and raise this sort of money; I am so proud of her and I would love her to have the recognition that myself and all our work colleagues think she deserves."

On accepting the award, Kathryn said: "I decided I would raise money as there was no 24-hour access to defibrillators in Helston. They can be a matter of life or death, the machines speak to you and tells you what to do.

"It was a huge shock to win this award. My friend who nominated me didn’t mention it to me once. I went absolutely scarlet."

Libby Everall - Young Person of the Year Award

A hardworking and dedicated Penryn teenager was named‘Young Person of The Year’ after spending her time helping to promote mental health awareness in young people.

Libby Everall, aged 16, was nominated for the award by her mum Clare, after showing courage since being diagnosed with depression and anxiety at the age of 13.

"Libby is the strongest, hardworking and dedicated girl," Clare said. "Since September she had worked tirelessly in school, dedicating her time to create a mental health support team.

"She has a great attribute to her school and has nationally spoken out to try and change the perception of mental health illness in teenagers and children."

Through her work this year developing and promoting mental health awareness she has made a CBBC documentary, and been on BBC Breakfast discussing her opinion.

Clare continued: "Libby said she wants to break the stigma that surrounds mental health in kids and teens. She is the most amazing girl I know."

Libby said: "The journey in which I had been on, there were a lot of bumps and dives. I’ve had a lot of help and support from friends and family.

"At the time I was diagnosed, there wasn’t much acceptance around it and there was still quite a prevalent stigma surrounding mental health."

She said she was "very grateful" for the award, adding: "It’s nice to be recognised and have other people believe in you and the cause you’re working towards."

Peter Tonkin - Lifetime Achievement Award

A stalwart in the Mullion community has been recognised for a lifetime of dedication at the helm of Mullion Fire Service.

As a station manager, volunteer and first responder covering the Lizard area, Peter Tonkin is no stranger to responding to those in need.

Roland Lowery, who nominated him, said Peter was a very active, professional and humble gentleman, who deserved to be acknowledged.

Roland added: "It’s important to emphasise what Peter is doing in the community to inspire the younger generation to follow in his footsteps."

Peter said: "I’ve been in the fire service for 40 years, I loved every minute of it. I was totally gobsmacked when Pirate FM phoned up and said that I won an award because I feel it’s just part of what I do"

Peter and his wife Cheryl run Mounts Bay Inn in Mullion. They help raise money for the local community, providing defibrillators for the village.

He is also the local assistant undertaker, caring for bereaved families in need of support.

Roland added: “Peter is a humble gentleman who can save lives but is also there to console people. He is a pillar of the community and someone to look up to."

"He will leave his business while he’s out saving lives. Not many people realise that he’s being doing this. He’s a really important part of villages and affected so many people’s lives."