Local heroes honoured at Make a Difference Awards

A therapy horse and a volunteer who supports abuse survivors were among the winners at an award ceremony celebrating local heroes.

The BBC Radio Solent Make a Difference Awards had eight categories and recognised those who love to make life better for others.

To date, more than 10 million people have got involved with Make a Difference across BBC radio stations.

Winners for Hampshire, Dorset and the Isle of Wight were crowned by a panel of judges at a special event at the Leonardo Royal Grand Harbour Hotel in Southampton on Tuesday.

Mr Kelloggs was presented with the animal award for his work with residents in care homes, hospices and hospitals in Dorset.

The 74cm tall miniature therapy horse has been interacting with people for four years.

The 10-year-old's owner Sharon Gledhill said "he absolutely loves" the work he does, getting lots of attention from the residents.

She said: "He makes a difference to everyone that he meets.

"He just brings out the best in people."

Portia Powell from Havant is the voluntary social media manager for community interest company Be Kind. No Excuses.

She won the volunteer award for her work.

She champions and raises awareness of the organisation, supporting people who have survived abuse.

Ms Powell is an abuse survivor herself who also gives her time to others through online question and answer sessions.

She said: "It's an honour to be able to have the voice that so many women don't have and to talk about something that a lot of people are told to be quiet about."

On the award, she added: "There are so many people out there doing such good work and they've chosen me - wow."

The community award went to Rob Franks from Poole, who has collected and repaired more than 600 laptops for disadvantaged children.

Mr Franks began collecting, fixing and donating computers during the Covid lockdown to allow children to work from home.

He said: "It just felt like something I really had to do."

He added: "It's just awe inspiring when you see how many people from the general public have helped and allowed this to happen."

On top of this work he has lobbied the government to stop funding cuts to children with special educational needs and disabilities. He has also worked and volunteered on projects in his community.

Pauline Steel has run weekly tea dances and monthly dance events at Titchfield Community Centre for more than four decades.

Over the years the committed fundraiser has raised in excess of £92,000 for the community centre.

Not one to make a song and dance of her hard work, Ms Steel said she was surprised to receive the award.

She said: "I still feel a bit overwhelmed because I expect there is a lot of people who do far more than I do."

• Volunteer - Portia Powell from Havant
• Morning Live Community - Rob Franks from Poole
• Fundraiser - Pauline Steel from Fareham
• Carer - Maureen Graham from Horndean
• Great Neighbour - Richard Baker from Hursley
• Bravery - Sharon Holland from Portsmouth
• Green - Repair Café Winchester
• Animal - Mr Kelloggs the miniature horse from Bournemouth

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