The winners of Radio Humberside Make a Difference

An octogenarian who has taught generations of children how to garden and a young boy who helped support an autistic child in his foster family are some of the winners of this year's BBC Radio Humberside Make A Difference Awards.

Eight individuals were handed awards which were designed to recognise those who have made outstanding contributions to their communities.

The awards ceremony was held at Hull City Hall on Wednesday afternoon.

Collecting the Volunteer Award, Walter Minns, 88, who runs a children's gardening club at a nursery in Sancton, East Yorkshire, said: "I love being with the children, it makes me get up in the morning."

For more than 25 years, he has encouraged young people to become interested in growing plants.

"I'll bring things in to show them," he said.

"In the garden, the sensory garden, where they can touch everything and feel everything and they can smell it."

During the Covid pandemic, Walter moved the club online, recording weekly videos.

After picking up the award, Walter said: "I don't know whether I deserve it or not, but I love what I'm doing anyway."

At the other end of the age spectrum, seven-year-old Rex was given the Young Hero Award.

He supports his foster brother who has autism.

His mum, Carla, said Rex struggled at first when "but as time got on he just loved him more and more".

"Now he just never wants to let him go and to him he's the brother that he's always wanted."

Rex said he helps his foster brother communicate with others.

"Most people don't really understand autistic people," he said.

"Sometimes he gets into like meltdowns, I just give him cuddles. I just say it's OK."

Carla said she was "choked up" at her son winning the award and said it was recognition for Rex's amazing help with his foster brother.

"He came to us non verbal, he didn't understand life and we feel that Rex brought that all that out of him," she said.

"He now speaks, he now knows how to phone, he now knows how to have love and to us that's all down to Rex."

Other winners include Freddie Cole, from South Cave, who after surviving cancer raised more than £50,000 for young people with the disease.

Collecting the Great Neighbour Award was Maureen Mulligan, from Hull, who organises sports and events for asylum seekers and refugees.

Frank Sparkes, from Grimsby, received the Environmental Award for his work clearing litter, tackling fly-tipping and helping people across North East Lincolnshire.

He said: "I am overwhelmed and I just want to keep making a difference."

Full list of the Radio Humberside 2026 Award Categories and Winners:

· The Volunteer Award – Walter Minns from South Cave

· The Young Hero Award – Rex from Hull

· The Great Neighbour Award – Maureen Mulligan from Hull

· The Active Award – Rebel Runners based in Brigg

· The Animal Award – East Hull Community Farm

· The Environmental Award – Frank Sparkes from Grimsby

· The Fundraiser Award – Freddie Cole from South Cave

· The Community Group Award – Wizer CIC based in Grimsby

Adam Newstead, executive editor at BBC Radio Humberside, said: "Across our region, there are remarkable people quietly making a real difference every day, often without seeking recognition or reward.

"These awards shine a light on their dedication, kindness and determination, and celebrate the positive impact they have on the lives of others."

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