EAST Wythenshawe residents got the ‘feelgold factor’ when they celebrated the area’s first Gold Factor Community Awards.

The ceremony, organised by Willow Park Housing Trust, recognised those hidden treasures in the community who go above and beyond the call of duty to make Wythenshawe a better place in which to live.

The awards, for which 47 people were nominated, took place at Radisson SAS hotel at Manchester Airport. Winners included Ralph Webb, who won the Good Neighbour category, Margery Jones for Community Safety, Chloe Rowe for Youth Champion, Joyce Quayle for Community Champion and joint winners Nina Purse and Liz Staines for Community Volunteer.

Winner Joyce Quayle said: "I’m delighted that so many people were recognised.

"There are an awful lot of people out there doing remarkable jobs – it’s what I often call the ‘hidden community spirit.

"One thing that will remain with me too is the number of young people doing fantastic things – you could feel their enthusiasm in the air."

Mervyn Jones, chief executive of Willow Park, described the atmosphere during the evening as electric.

He said: "It was made even more entertaining by an excellent MC, Paul Sleem, and our guest of honour the Lord Mayor of Manchester.

"We are over the moon at the number of nominations received, and although we were aware of the many treasures in our community it has been fantastic to learn about so many more – the range of work detailed in the nominations was incredible.

"The event has been a brilliant way to close Willow Park’s year as a Housing Corporation Gold Award winner – which was one of the reasons we called the awards the Gold Factor."

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