Derby County Community Trust’s Annual Awards returned last night, celebrating and rewarding participants, volunteers and partners who consistently embody the Trust’s core values.

The Community Trust works with over 25,000 people each year through over 40 different programmes that improve the lives and communities of local people through sport, physical activity, health and education.

This year, 8 awards were awarded to standout individuals. The winners were:

Volunteer of the Year: Estelle Leckie

School of the Year: Roe Farm Primary School

Special Recognition: Derby 10k

Inclusion Champion: Karen Chamberlain

Participant of the Year: Freddie Taylor

Education Champion: Isaac Goodman

Employee of the Year: Sara Adcock and Emma Pilgrim

Programme of the Year: Live It and Active Schools

3 members of the Derby County Community Trust staff team were also presented with length of service awards as recognition for 10 year’s service.

Paul Newman, Head of Community at the Trust, said: “It's our favourite night of the year. We just get chance to celebrate our participants and staff in the company of partners and anyone connected with the Trust. We would like to thank all of our sponsors particularly headline sponsor Smith Partnership who are in their 3rd year of sponsoring and Clowes for their ongoing support for the Trust"

Long term partners of the Trust, Smith Partnership, returned as headline sponsors for the third year. Bally Atwal, trustee of DCCT and Partner at Smith Partnership, added: “As a trustee I get to see first-hand the amazing work that the Trust delivers daily, and the commitment and enthusiasm of staff and volunteers that improves lives of those in our communities. Everyone constantly goes above and beyond the call of duty and it's an honour and a privilege for Smith Partnership to continue their support of this evening and throughout the other projected delivered each year.”

The evening also saw the launch of the Trust’s new colour palette. By bringing the Trust colour palette to align with the identity colours of Derby County Football Club, the two further demonstrate their strong relationship.