The winners of Lincolnshire Make a Difference

A man who dedicated more than 40 years to a wildlife charity group, a woman who restored dignity to those buried in two cemeteries and a cockapoo called Rosie have been recognised this year by BBC Radio Lincolnshire at the annual Make A Difference Awards.

Eight individuals were handed awards which were designed to recognise those who have made outstanding contributions to their communities.

The event was held at the International Bomber Command Centre in Lincoln.

Jo Thompson, one of the award winners, said: "Someone here said it's about the cause not the applause and I think that completely encapsulates many of us here today."

Rosie Tonks, a cockapoo in Lincoln, has been given the Animal Award.

She is a support dog at home to Lilly who has cerebral palsy but also helps other children and adults at Our Lady of Lincoln Catholic Primary School.

"For some children Rosie is the light, the brightness in their day," the person said who had nominated her.

Leona Tonks, a teacher at Our Lady of Lincoln Catholic Primary School and Rosie's owner, said: "I can't wait to tell the children, they all love her to pieces and will be really proud of Rosie."

Tonks added that Rosie means "so much" to the children.

"We've had a few children name their own pets or cuddly toys Rosie now," she added.

Peter Skelson, from Lincoln, won the Environmental Award for his work since he became one of the founding members of the RSPB Lincoln Local Group in 1974.

He was the group leader for more than 40 years and devoted a lot of his own time to organising activities focused on enjoying wildlife and the environment in and around Lincoln.

He also helped set up the Date With Nature Walks that take place in Hartsholme Park on the first Sunday of each month.

Skelson said: "To encourage other people to get interested in nature and conservation was what I really did it for.

"I love nature and birds and to get out into the countryside is fantastic."

Jo Thompson from Sleaford was handed the Great Neighbour Award for her work in restoring the dignity to those buried within the two cemeteries on the grounds of Rauceby Hospital, the former asylum.

She was described by the person that nominated her as "ensuring those buried there are no longer overlooked of forgotten".

She went on to lead a group of volunteers in researching the lives of those buried in the sites and is working to raise money to ensure there is a permanent memorial there.

Thompson said: "Having this award feels like it's unlocked a bit of a door."

BBC Make a Difference, now in its fifth year, began during the Covid-19 pandemic, as a virtual notice board for people needing support and those able to help. Since then, more than 10 million people have been involved nationwide.

Judges included Lincoln City captain Tandayi Darikwa and BBC Look North's Peter Levy, from thousands of nominations.

The awards were presented by BBC Radio Lincolnshire's Frances Finn and Scott Dalton, as part of a series of 40 ceremonies taking place across the UK.

Full list of BBC Radio Lincolnshire Make a Difference 2026 winners:

• Volunteer Award – an individual who makes a notable difference to their community by giving their time voluntarily to help others. Lorna Curtis from Coningsby.

• Young Hero Award –someone under 16 who has made a positive impact in their community or achieved something exceptional. Thomas Bowles from Gainsborough.

• Great Neighbour Award – an individual who helps to make the neighbourhood a better place to live or work, either on a regular basis or through a single act of kindness. Jo Thompson from Sleaford.

• Active Award – an individual or group of people who have used physical activity or sport as a way of improving the lives of those in their community. Anne Rust from Lincoln.

• Animal Award – an animal that improves the life of an individual or group of people; or a person or group of people working with animals to improve animal welfare. Rosie Tonks from Lincoln.

• Environmental Award – an individual or group of people who help to make where we live more environmentally friendly and better for nature. Peter Skelson from Lincoln.

• Fundraiser Award – an individual or group of people who have gone the extra mile to raise funds for a good cause. Janice Dilks from Tetford.

• Community Group Awardsupported by BBC Morning Live – awarded to a group of people who have helped to genuinely change the lives of others within their community. Holbeach Hub.

Listen to highlights fromLincolnshire on BBC Sounds, watch thelatest episode of Look North.

Download the BBC News app from the App Storefor iPhone and iPad orGoogle Play for Android devices