THEY help others in their time of need, and now three Winchester community champions have won awards for their efforts.

The Community Star Awards were handed out as part of the University of Winchester’s graduation week, which ran from October 14-17.

It recognises organisations or individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to serving the public.

This year’s recipients are Winchester Churches Nightshelter, which supports Hampshire’s homeless community, Winchester Young Carers Project, which works with carers aged eight to 17, and Mike Bugler, who has been offering advice and support to victims of scam letters.

Prof Joy Carter, vice-chancellor at the university, said: “The calibre of these winners reflects the extremely high standard of community work being undertaken in Hampshire and beyond.

“As a university recognised for its strong values-led education, we are delighted to be able to highlight and reward individuals and organisations who share our commitment to the common good.”

The awards, run in partnership with the Hampshire Chronicle, saw each winner given £300 towards their projects or others.

The nominees were selected from within the university and wider community that reflected one or more of the institution’s six values: intellectual freedom, social justice, diversity, spirituality, individuals matter, and creativity.

They were judged by members of the university’s senior management team, a representative from the university’s student academic council, and Keith Redbourn, editor of the Hampshire Chronicle.

Mr Redbourn said: “The Chronicle was delighted to be involved in the university’s first-ever Community Star Awards. I’m sure the awards will become a regular event to help recognise those in Winchester and the surrounding area who put so much effort into helping others in the community.”