The annual event, held at the Kassam Stadium, recognised the efforts of people and, for the first time, animals, who have made significant contributions to their communities.

For the third year running, BBC Local received a record number of entries and nominations.

The awards ceremony, hosted by BBC Radio Oxford’s Sophie Law and Jerome Sale, took place on September 11.

Duncan McLarty, editor at BBC Radio Oxford, said: “The Make a Difference awards are the highlight of our year.

“Our winners are extraordinary and inspiring local people who put other people before themselves.

“They deserve all the thanks and recognition we can give them.”

Anna Gatrell, from Didcot, won the Volunteer Award, Mahmut Gunaydin, from Oxford, received the Community Award, and the Fundraiser Award was given to Mikayla Beames from Wantage.

Richard Wicks was recognised with the Carer Award and Susan Holden, from Barton, Oxford, was the recipient of the Great Neighbour Award.

Samantha Cowley, from Bloxham, won the Bravery Award, while Bicester Green Gym was given The Green Award and The Animal Award went to HEROS from Wantage.

Chris Burns, controller of local audio commissioning, said: “The Make a Difference Awards celebrate the good things that happen within our communities, and it’s great to see that every year we see more and more nominations.

“The award ceremonies for me are a humbling experience and I feel privileged that we get to shine a light on these stories and give our listeners a chance to celebrate the unsung heroes where they live.

“A huge thank you to everyone who took the time to nominate someone, and a huge congratulations to our winners.”

From thousands of nominations, a shortlist was drawn up and a winner chosen by a panel of judges.

In Oxfordshire, the judges included actor Jeremy Irons, Debbie McGee, former Olympic skier and presenter Graham Bell, Oxford United CEO Tim Williams, actor and Chancellor of Oxford Brookes University Paterson Joseph, British athlete Hannah England, and BBC presenter Allen Sinclair.

The Make a Difference initiative began as a virtual noticeboard during the pandemic, connecting those in need of help with those who could offer it.

Post-pandemic, the awards are still as important as ever as people help those impacted by issues that can deeply affect communities.

There are 38 similar ceremonies happening across the country throughout September, and BBC Morning Live has teamed up with the Make A Difference Awards to support the first Morning Live Community Award for all local stations.