Inspirational leaders took the spoils at a cultural awards programme last week.

The Cultural Medal programme was set up in 2012 to recognise Sutton’s most inspiring leaders as part of the legacy from the Olympic and Paralympics Games.

Each year up to eight individuals, groups and events will be reviewed and selected by a panel under the chairmanship of Mayor of Sutton, councillor Sean Brennan.

The programme rewards projects which open up the arts, giving new skills, recognising the diversity of the borough and make a contribution to the local community.

Following nominations from residents, a panel of local experts led by the Mayor of Sutton chose the winning entries.

In total five winners were selected for their outstanding contribution to culture and art in the borough.

Malti Patel from Aspara Arts, Sheree Vickers from Savvy Theatre group, Judith Burton of the Sutton Music Festival, Dick Bower of Sutton Arts Council and Tony Kerslake from Sutton Arts Council all picked up awards.

Winners were presented with their trophy at the Honeywood Museum on Wednesday 10 July.

The Mayor of Sutton, Councillor Sean Brennan said: "This is the second year we have presented these awards and I’d like to congratulate each and every one of our winners for all the hard work they have put in.

"Following the Olympics we want to make sure that Sutton’s residents make the most of the cultural legacy from the Games. The Cultural Medals Programme will promote arts in the borough for years to come."

The trophy was designed Yasmine Heinel of Wallington Girls’ School after the youngster won a competition to create an award for the programme last year.

For more information about the Cultural Medal programme, contact Karen Holt on karen.holt@sutton.gov.uk.