A NUMBER of people who make a 'push for equality, diversity and inclusion across Cumbria' have been recognised at a ceremony.

The Diverse Cumbria Awards have been championing those who make the county a welcoming place since 2016.

Among those to be honoured at an event at Carlisle's Halston hotel was Adam Edwards, chairman of Sandylands Residents' Association (SRA) in Kendal, who was named 'public sector champion'.

Mr Edwards was recognised for SRA's work in supplying free food to those in need over the pandemic and his drive to get a youth club - Kendal Youth Zone - up and running in the town.

He said he was 'shocked' and 'surprised' to have won and that SRA 'really have upped our game'.

Adrienne Gill, of Carlisle One World Centre, which campaigns for justice and supports the economically and socially deprived, won the 'positive role model' category.

"The recognition of my work in the community is greatly appreciated and the Diverse Cumbria Awards is such a fantastic endorsement of all our efforts to promote equality in the county,” she said.

The awards are judged by the previous year's winners.

The other 2021 winners were:

Business champion:

  • Gill Bragg - menopause champion
  • Low Level Waste Repository

Diversity event

  • Carlisle Puppet Pageant - Prism Arts

Educational champion

  • Lynne Thornton - Cumbria Academy for Autism

Organisation champion

  • Owl Blue

Positive young person

  • Harriet Wood

Volunteer champion

  • Des Mattinson - Cleator Moor Amateur Boxing Club

Lifetime achievement award

  • Sheila Gregory - Formerly chief executive of Carlisle Mencap