A SENSEI who teaches Karate was 'elated' to win the Unsung Hero Award.

Justin Thomas is a fourth Dan Karate instructor and owner of Young Gloves Karate.

He works tirelessly - not only in his full time role with West Mercia Police - but also in his dedication to his students.

Over the last 12 years Justin has helped raise over £50,000 for children's charities, undertaking sponsorships and organising many events.

He has also managed to develop his students into national and international martial artists with European success.

Mr Thomas said: "I am elated. It's lovely that I'm even here with all these people. I'm just so proud."

Kevin Beck was a finalist for the award. He said: “I was humbled to be nominated. It was fantastic. I was over the moon. I’ve really enjoyed it.”

Mr Beck is a dedicated site manager who is loved by staff and pupils alike at Regency High School. He always goes the extra mile.

For example, when the heating broke down he went into school at 4am every morning for a week to manually start the boilers while they waited for spare parts to arrive.

He is described as a great role model for pupils and works with some of them to show them the world of work and teaches them practical skills such as woodwork.

Angela Wood said it was 'wonderful' to be a finalist for the unsung hero award.

She said: "It was a lovely evening and I was thrilled to be nominated and short listed. I was proud to be part of a wonderful event that celebrates educationalists in such a wonderful way."

Angela Wood is deputy safeguarding lead at Newbridge Short Stay Secondary School, which works with some of the most vulnerable young people in the country.

She is the linchpin of what they do to ensure all of the pupils are safe and well 365 days a year.

She always goes above and beyond to ensure this.

Her job involves liaising with children's services and other professionals and families to keep pupils safe, and making sure pupils can always contact her if they are in danger.