THE BEST of the Stroud community were celebrated tonight at an awards ceremony at the Stonehouse Court Hotel. 

The Stroud News and Journal community awards were held tonight to help shine a light on our region and its many, many success stories.

Thirteen awards were given out to some of the most dedicated and hard-working people across the Stroud community.

Categories included teacher of the year, contribution to the arts and young person of the year. 

(Image: Newsquest)

The full list of winners is as follows:

Best Customer Service - Share and Repair Stonehouse

Best Independent Business - Paul Westley Opticians

Contribution to the Arts - John Holland, Stroud Short Stories 

Best Community Project or Group - Amberley Shop & Cafe

Best Volunteer or Fundraiser - Andrew Blandford, Emmaus Gloucestershire 

Sports Team or Club - Minchinhampton RFC

Teacher of the Year - Nichala Gallivan 

Environmental Project - Stroud Valleys Project Ltd

Young Person of the Year - Nathan Sparkhall, Minchinhampton RFC

Diversity in the Community - Craig Johnson, Stroud Pride 

Care Hero of the Year - Nicola Priest, Horsfall House

Neighbour of the Year - Ashley and Lorraine Fudge

New Business of the Year - Good Food Kitchen & Bar