The biggest ever Rock awards are held at Grimsby Town Hall

THE ‘wonderful’ work of a charity that supports people with learning difficulties to ‘live their lives to the full’ was praised by North East Lincolnshire’s Deputy Mayor at an annual awards ceremony.

Cllr Steve Beasant (pictured celebrating with students) was the guest of honour at Grimsby Town Hall where scores of Rock Foundation students and their friends and family united for the celebration event.

From its humble beginnings in 2009, Rock Founder Pam Hodge has built up a charity that now supports 90 students of all ages and disabilities across Northern Lincolnshire.

They are given opportunities in all sorts of work from shop keeping, to van and tractor driving and gardening. Rock now has two bases –  its day workshops in Heneage Road, Grimsby and its residential base with market gardens, a shop and café at Caistor Top.

The annual awards celebrate the work of all the students. Starting proceedings and introducing the ‘Rock Choir’, Pam said: “This is where we come together to celebrate all the hard work and achievements of our students this year. This success is made possible thanks to all our volunteers, and we really appreciate all they do.”

Presenting the main awards, Cllr Beasant said: “Everyone in this room deserves their awards. I am very privileged to have been invited here for a second year, and as ever, it has been amazing.”

During the ceremony, awards were presented to scores of students for their good work across a range of activities both at Heneage Road and Caistor. This included the winner and runner-up of the ‘Design a T-shirt Competition’.

The winning T-shirt was printed and used by a team from EP SHB Ltd (South Humber Bank Power Station), which raised £2,500 on a Three Peaks Challenge to raise money for Rock. The company is supporting the charity this year with Site Administrator Gwen Garland presenting the T-shirt awards at the ceremony.

Heneage Main Awards:

Learner of the year: Elizabeth Harrison. Most Improved: Chris Francis.

Outstanding Contribution: Keith Atkin.

Overcoming Barriers: Jodie Blackham.

Most Helpful: Liam Jones.

Best Attendance: Thomas Killen.

Best Buddy Award: Kelly Blyth.

Caistor Main Awards:

Learner of the year: Joseph Bull. Most Improved: Audrey King.

Outstanding Contribution: Jack Johnson.

Overcoming Barriers: James Tulloch.

Most Helpful: Michael Hodge.

Best Attendance: Dylan Tulloch.

Best Buddy Award: Ross Cousins.

Pam Hodge Award

Grimsby: Connor Dixon.

Caistor: Krista Ulliott.