DOZENS of people have been hailed 'local heroes' for going the extra mile in their community.

Co-op Funeralcare in Connah’s Quay has recognised and celebrated heroes in the community in support of National Volunteers Week in June.

The ‘Local Hero’ award honours individuals who go the extra mile and was handed out to over 100 people, including Flint Coastguard and a Deeside youngster.

The funeral home called on residents in Connah’s Quay to nominate an individual who makes a difference in their local community, ultimately making it a better place to live. Colleagues were so overwhelmed with the number of heart-warming nominations they received that they decided to honour every single nomination put forward.

Connah’s Quay Funeralcare colleagues Tracy Sankey-Jones and Christopher Morter presented the awards to people across Deeside, ranging from the Flint Coastguard, who work tirelessly to keep people safe and local businesses who are always on hand to donate products to those in need.

Youngster Katie-Leigh Wilkinson was put forward thanks to the many initiatives she takes part in. Katie-Leigh made over 50 keyworker support rainbows for her neighbours, volunteers with community group, Nanny Biscuit, by designing bespoke birthday cards for local care home residents and donated four care packages to Deeside Community Hospital.

Unsurprisingly, the Flint Coastguard received a nomination for their ongoing support of residents in the local area throughout the pandemic.

Local businessman Ben Nuttall, who owns TN Bargain Wholesale, was also recognised for donating food and other supplies to those in need during the pandemic.

Tracy Sankey-Jones, Funeral Arranger at Co-op Funeralcare, said: "We were absolutely thrilled with the response to our ‘Local Hero’ initiative and inundated with nominations from the community.

"This has been a wonderfully positive experience and we were grateful for the opportunity to shine a light on all those who contribute to our community, whether it's in small or big ways. We look forward to bringing this back next year and hope that it continues to inspire people to do good."

Co-op Funeralcare in Connah’s Quay takes its role at the centre of the community 'very seriously' and has carried out projects including a Christmas angel hunt for local children, a school uniform drive, the creation and distribution of welfare packs during lockdown and a collection for the local food bank.