A CHARITY was proud to be award the community involvement award.

Heart Start Malvern was launched in January 2017 to train members of the public in basic resuscitation techniques.

The charity trained its 1,000th volunteer in November last year.

Former paramedic Richard Vakis-Lowe set up the charity after reading in the Malvern Gazette about how a man's life was saved after he collapsed from a cardiac arrest during a performance at the Coach House Theatre in Grange Road.

Since then, volunteers have been delivering free training in local schools and to community groups. They also hold monthly training sessions which anyone can attend.

Richard Vakis-Lowe said: "We are over the moon. Thank you to everyone who comes to our training sessions and to all our volunteers, we want to re iterate how grateful we are to the volunteers."

Discover History was a finalist for the Community Involvement Award.

The company was established in 2003 by Paul Harding and Helen Lee, professional historical performers that concentrate on providing accuracy and authenticity through demonstrating how our ancestors lived, worked, and enjoyed pastimes.

They offer an interactive and hands on experience to people of all ages and abilities, including care home residents.

On international Women's Day this year, Helen was recognised as having 'Suffragette Spirit' on an Amnesty International interactive map.

Helen Lee said: "We had a great evening again at the Education Awards. Duncan Goodhew MBE was an inspirational speaker and to be amongst so many talented individuals and organisations was just simply fantastic.

"To be nominated and be a finalist is achievement enough for us and means so much that people have taken the time to put us forward again.

"We were privileged enough to win last year so it was great to pass on the title to HeartStart Malvern who were this year's winners and thoroughly deserve to be recognised."

Worcestershire Apprenticeships also got to the finals for this category.

Worcestershire Apprenticeships supports young people who want traineeships or apprenticeships, and employers who may be considering an apprenticeship for their business.

They provide impartial information, advice, guidance and support.

The organisation has a website with lots of information for both businesses and potential apprentices, including National Apprenticeship Week.

They also hold the Worcestershire Apprenticeship Awards 2018 to recognise the very best in the county.