BBC Gloucestershire Make a Difference Awards: Community Champions Honoured

BBC Radio Gloucestershire announced the winners of its Make a Difference Awards at a ceremony in Cheltenham on Friday evening, honouring community contributors including a hedgehog rescue founder, a teen pageant star, and a rugby coach. The Animal Award went to Vicki Oliver, founder of Brockworth Hedgehog Rescue, who expects to care for 1,000 hogs this year. Sixteen-year-old Maizee Philipson won the Young Hero Award for her pageant work supporting epilepsy awareness, while Emma Jones took the Active Award for running an inclusive rugby club. Eight winners were selected from 32 finalists, with celebrities including Bridget Christie and Dom Joly presenting awards. Other honourees included litter picker Rob Hopkins, fundraiser couple Claire and John Smith, and charity Toucan for Children.