Swanley volunteers and community took this year’s ‘Making It Happen’ awards by storm as they were recognised for the work they do in the area.

Sevenoaks District Council brought back the awards for a third year as 10 winners picked up their awards at The Stag Theatre on June 14.

Fahim’s restaurant in High Street picked up the Best Business award and were represented by Christine Hudson as she picked up the award from ‘The Apprentice’ contestant JD O’Brien.

The restaurant owners later collected their trophy from Sevenoaks District Chairman Councillor Larry Abraham after being praised for hosting many charity nights as well as providing uniforms for the local foodbank volunteers.

Also taking home a trophy was Lewis Morris who won the Young Volunteer award for his work volunteering at Swanley Youth Hub as well as being the Co-Chair of Swanley Youth Forum.

It was a ‘ten from Len’ all round for volunteers and community groups all over the Sevenoaks District as former ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ head judge, Len Goodman presented local heroes with awards for their important work.

The audience of almost 200 people was also treated to a performance from the Rock Choir after the interval who belted out classics such as ‘Don’t Stop Me Now’ and ‘Living On A Prayer’ to open up the second half.

Presentations were made for winners and highly commended and all other nominees received a framed certificate.

The full list of winners is as follows:

Best Business – Fahim’s Restaurant in Swanley.

Best Family Friendly Business – Sevenoaks Bookshop and Waitrose, Sevenoaks Branch.

Charity of the Year – Sevenoaks Community First Responders.

Charity Project of the year – ECTreme Youth Club, Edenbridge

Best Community Club – Sevenoaks Volunteer Transport Group.

Community Safety – Charlie McCready, Brasted Speedwatch.

Individual Community Champion - Stephanie Harrison.

Lifetime Achievement - Edward Oatley.

Sport Health and Wellbeing – Sevenoaks Archery Club.

Young Volunteer Award – Lewis Morris.

Leader of the Council, Cllr Peter Fleming, was one of the judges on the panel and also hosted the evening, says: “Yet again the calibre of the nominations was so high it made the judges’ job very difficult. We as a Council are passionate and proud to celebrate the work that is done by all volunteers who work tirelessly across the District.

“Congratulations once again to all our winners and nominees on the night and we hope their incredible work can inspire others to follow in their footsteps.”