Unsung heroes of Tower Hamlets were recognised with awards - and serenaded by a boy who stars on the West End stage.
Tower Hamlets Council’s annual voluntary and community sector awards were held at Whitechapel Town Hall to celebrate those who help others.
Cristiano Cuino, a member of the East End’s Young and Talented performance group, sang a hit medley from West End show MJ the Musical.
He plays Little Michael Jackson in the production.
The spotlight was also shone on the volunteers who were recognised as “community champions” on January 30 for their “outstanding contributions to enrich people’s lives”.
They were praised by the council’s voluntary and community sector lead Cllr Saied Ahmed.
“You are all trusted champions of communities you support,” he told them.
“Your passion and unwavering commitment to create positive change are inspiring.”
Six category awards were picked out from a shortlist by independent panels of judges from 170 nominations sent in by the public.
Young volunteer of the year was named as Alexis Williams, while Jason Clark and Mohammed Hussain were highly commended.
Volunteer of the year joint winners were James Ford and Mel Pinet, with Phillip Reddaway and Tom Elliott being highly commended.
A lifetime achievement award was given to Koyes Ali and highly commended for the category went to Rashid Ali.
Tower Hamlets executive mayor Lutfur Rahman told the winners: “You make invaluable contributions to our community. We also value the role that 1,300 volunteer and community groups play, serving our communities and improve their lives.”
Awards were also made to the East End’s voluntary organisations serving the public.
Large voluntary group of the year with an annual income above £1million was named as the Royal Foundation of St Katharine in Limehouse for “making a difference to the community”, while St Hilda’s East charity in Shoreditch was highly commended.
Medium voluntary group of the year with an income between £150,000 and £1m was the Limehouse Project, while Petticoat Lane market’s Streets of Growth project in Aldgate was highly commended.
Small voluntary group of the year with an income under £150,000 was named as the Vallance Community Sports Association in Whitechapel, with the Mile End Community Project and Just Smiles Original both highly commended.
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