A TIRELESS fundraiser whose outstanding efforts act as a shining light for volunteers has been named Southend Citizen of the Yeard 2015.

Edwina Kinch, from Leigh, was presented with the gold award at a private ceremony at Porters Civic House in Southend with entertainment provided by Leanne Jarvis, from the Voice.

Ms Kinch is well-known for her contribution to the community in Southend, raising cash and helpingawide range of community groups.

She was nominated by Anunciacion Somavilla, from Thorpe Bay, who said: “Edwina has worked relentlessly, raising money through events for Havens Hospice and she is sitting on the committee for Rape Crisis and Domestic Violence.

“She organises charity dinners, fashion shows, quiz nights and a large range of activities in order to raise vital funds, something which is very hard to do these days. I feel she is the perfect person to be awarded this prize.”

The awarding committee said they were “most impressed with her tireless commitment to her fundraising and commitment to her community”.

Ms Kinch said: “I am overwhelmed and very grateful. I work with a small, but dedicated team of fundraisers who are incredibly generous in giving their spare time to fundraise. It is most definitely a team effort.”

One of the founders of Citizen of Southend Awards, Philip Miller, executive chairman of Stockvale Group, which owns Adventure Island, said: “Every year the competition gets tougher, as more and more people showacts of kindness as part of their daily lives. But this is year was exceptional, and I really feel the extra awards were totally deserved. Let’s hope this community commitment continues into next year and beyond.”

JOHN Simmons from Westcliff was awarded the bronze Citizen of Southend Award 2015, for his dedication to Southend’s Night Shelters.

John is the co-ordinator for Southend Churches Winter Night Shelters.

However last Autumn John was diagnosed with a brain haemorrhage and had to spend a considerable amount of time in hospital.

However as soon as he was back on his feet, he was back looking after 350 volunteers to run the shelters last winter.

Ruth Verrinder, who nominated Mr Simmons, said: “I think John was amazing to put aside his own health and give up all his other commitments so that Southend Winter Night Shelters could still go ahead.

“John and his team provide thousands of meals for vulnerable people and a warm place to stay. I think John and his team of volunteers are definitely worthy of this award.”

John said: “I was surprised, proud and very grateful. We have 350 volunteers working across seven churches so this award is for them too, and to our rough sleepers.”

THE Silver Citizen of Southend Award 2015, this year went to 74-year-old Charles Prince from Thorpe Bay who is recovering from bowel cancer.

Despite his ill health he still manages to take part in charity events, including Race for Life and the Mud Run His daughter Rebekah nominated him. She said: “My dad tirelessly attends every charity event as a volunteer, collecting people and dropping them off, he never misses one.

“He stands in all weathers, is the first man to arrive and the last man to leave.

“He never asks for any recognition so I’m delighted he has won the Silver Award. I think he is amazing.”

Mr Prince said: “Thank you for this award. I feel there are others that are more deserving than me. I was only doing something I enjoyed."