Eight winners from across Coventry and Warwickshire have been honoured at the BBC CWR Make a Difference Awards 2026.

The awards recognise people, groups and animals whose work has supported their local communities. Winners were celebrated at a ceremony at Square One Bar and Entertainment Venue on Thursday 10 September.

The event was presented by BBC Radio hosts Lorna Bailey and Trish Adudu. The regional winners were selected from thousands of nominations by a panel of local judges that included Coventry City owner Doug King.

Coventry winners

Inderpal Kaur, from Coventry, received the Volunteer Award for work including men's mental-health support sessions, community wellbeing networking and menopause awareness.

The Great Neighbour Award went to Mick Lagbir Singh of Wyken. His community work has included funding trips for disadvantaged residents and helping people with shopping, energy bills and support during significant life events.

Ron Harkness of Willenhall ABC received the Active Award. He has spent more than 50 years involved in boxing in Coventry and has coached thousands of people without charging for his time.

Martina Irwin, from Potters Green, won the Environmental Award for her work running the Tree Sanctuary while also caring for her husband.

Winners from Warwick and Nuneaton

Eleri, from Warwick, received the Young Hero Award. After saving her pocket money to buy Christmas presents for The Myton Hospices, she is now completing a virtual John O'Groats to Land's End challenge to raise further funds.

Emma Shiers, from Camp Hill in Nuneaton, received the Fundraiser Award for supporting families in crisis and raising money for children in her community.

Aspire and Thrive, based in Nuneaton, won the Community Group Award. The organisation supports vulnerable children and young adults who have struggled in mainstream education following trauma, exclusion or other significant challenges.

Winnie received the Animal Award after visiting more than 100 dementia care homes as well as hospitals, community centres and children living with long-term illnesses.

BBC CWR executive editor Chris Pegg said the awards celebrated the strength, kindness and community spirit found across Coventry and Warwickshire.

The Make a Difference initiative began during the Covid-19 pandemic to connect people needing support with those able to help. The BBC now holds 40 regional ceremonies across the UK.

The awards information and photograph were supplied by BBC Local.