Camborne has celebrated excellence in its first Community and Commerce Awards in front of a packed audience at Camborne Rugby Club.

Organised by Camborne Town Council and BID Camborne, nominees were all presented with certificates before each category winner was announced.

The event was compered by BID manager Anna Pascoe and council engagement officer Rose Hitchens-Todd.

"It was fantastic to see so many people turn up and there was a really good atmosphere," said Anna. "We started planning these awards three years ago but, as a result of the pandemic, they couldn't happen until now. Reading the nominations has been a real privilege and I'd like to thank everyone who took the time to make the."

A panel of town councillors chose the winners. There was also an act of thanks to late local businessman Eric Pascoe and a thank you from Mayor Cllr Mike Champion to his predecessor and current Deputy Mayor Cllr Zoe Fox.

"If ever proof was needed that Camborne is a real community town, this awards ceremony was it," said Rose Hitchens-Todd. "People are there for each other and there's a very strong sense of mutual support and care."

The rugby club provided the venue free of charge and professional magician Jon Martin entertained the audience with some impressive magic tricks.

Winners -

Camborne Town Council Young Achiever of the Year – Brooke Morris. Brooke is a member of Future Crew, a regular community session aimed at giving young people aged 10-16 an opportunity to help shape the town’s future.

Camborne Town Council Sid Godolphin Award – Oashia Mankee. Oashia hasn’t let visual impairment stop her representing Cornwall in horse-riding. She also loves gymnastics.

Community Volunteer of the Year – Dean Pascoe, CPR Foodbank. Dean’s 24-hour danceathon raised over £5000 for the CPR Foodbank.

Community Group of the Year – Veor Rugby Club. The club worked hard to support families and the wider community during the pandemic and raises a lot of money for charities.

Outstanding Contribution to the Arts in Camborne – Camborne Town Band. One of the top bands in the country and a great ambassador for Cornwall.

Outstanding Contribution to Sport in Camborne – Veor Rugby Club. For being a true community club.

Camborne Covid Hero Award – Kehelland Trust. A small team of staff and volunteers prepared and delivered weekly food parcels and gifts throughout the pandemic for those who could not leave home.

The Camborne Mayor’s Award – Camborne Home Library.

Best Small Business – Delight 2 Bite. A popular delicatessen run by Sharron Lipscombe-Manley.

Best Medium Business – The Make Space. Owned and managed by Samantha Hussey, the business has a brand ethic of 'community over competition'

Best Large Business – Tyacks Hotel. Situated in the centre of town, the hotel is independently owned and has evolved to offer successful outdoor catering and event hosting.

Best Environmental Focus – Queens at 46. The business has minimal waste, and everything is made from recycled and vintage materials. The owners teach sewing and operate social groups at affordable rates.

Local champion – Anita Coleman. Anita works at Tesco in Camborne where she tirelessly supports the local community with a range of fun fundraising events.

Best Customer Focus – Xanadu. Owned and run by Jackie Howells, Xanadu sells clothes, body jewellery, coloured hair dyes and mystical accoutrements associated with New Age living. One Padstow customer made a YouTube video describing it as ‘the best shop in Kernow.'

Best Employer – The Make Space.

Best Licensed Premises – Vyvyan Arms.

Product of the Year – Up Memory Lane. The shop specialises in upcycled furniture and offers training to customers who want to revitalise furniture themselves.

Best Not-for-Profit Business – Create CIC. One of Camborne Town Deal’s eight projects, Create CIC is based in the Donald Thomas Centre and provides a welcoming environment for people to meet and learn new skills.

Camborne Citizen(s) of the Year Award and Winner of Winners – Kehelland Trust.