The cream of our community have been honoured at an annual awards ceremony.

The Sutton Community Awards highlighted five people and groups for their work in making the borough a better place to live on Tuesday night.

The ceremony, organised by Sutton Council, was held at the Europa Galley in central library.

Among the winners was Tracey Collins, who pushed for safety improvements at Hackbridge junction following a controversial council redesign.

Mrs Collins’s campaign ultimately led to zebra crossings being installed at the site, where “courtesy crossings” were said to have confused drivers and put pedestrians at risk.

After winning the Safer Borough award, she said: “I’m pleased that I won. I would like to thank everyone who nominated me.

“It was 18 months of work with the community, the council and Sutton councillors to make the area better for everyone.

“The Heart of Hackbridge scheme was great for widening the pavements and having flower baskets but people did not get on with the informal crossings that were brought in.”

The other winners included Sutton Community Farm, volunteer and mentor Teresa Martucci, and Janet Hill, who was recognised for decades spent helping out others.

Abi Gambel, a Sutton police cadet ambassador, won the Outstanding Achievement award.

She said: “It is crazy and unexpected to win this award. I feel like I have got so many good things out of cadets and now I have an award.”

“I came in as a cadet four years ago and worked up the ranks to become head cadet. We have over 100 cadets in total and there are all sorts of things to do.”

Each category had runners-up who were also present during the awards ceremony.

Cllr Ruth Dombey, leader of Sutton Council, said: “We are fortunate that Sutton is a borough with so many people who inspire others and go that extra mile, whether as carers, volunteers, community organisers or charity workers.

“I am delighted to formally recognise their efforts to make the borough a better place to live.

“Congratulations to all these outstanding community members.”

Sutton Community Awards winners:

Safer Borough – Tracey Collins

Improving Lives – Teresa Martucci

Community Spirit – Janet Hill

Business in the Community – Sutton Community Farm

Outstanding Achievement – Abi Gambel