The finalists of this year’s Ely Hero Awards have been revealed after judges had the agonising task of whittling down nominations.
Hundreds from across the city and surrounding villages were put forward by family and friends for their selfless acts of compassion and courage in 10 categories.
The winner's will be revealed at a special ceremony set to take place on the evening of July 1 at The Maltings.
Two of the finalists shared their delight with the Ely Standard of being in with a chance of winning.
Ten-year-old Maisie Prigg who goes to St John's Primary School, was nominated by her proud parents Sam and Warren for the Child of Achievement category.
Since the age of three she has struggled with long-term medical conditions, but always managed to keep a smile on her face.
Sam, 41, from Ely, said: "Her health has had a big impact but regardless she always has a smile on her face and puts everyone else first.
"Maisie is currently recovering from an infection but when we heard the news that she was one of the finalists it really brightened up her day and gave her a boost.
"We know it is a really hard category so this is a special achievement."
Louise Drake who runs the Sewing Daze shop in Sutton was nominated in the Smiliest Server category.
The 29-year-old, who also lives in Sutton, studied Textiles at GCSE and A Level but it wasn't until two years ago that she took the plunge and opened Sewing Daze in Witchford.
The shop attracted attention from across the city, with Louise eventually relocating to bigger premises in Sutton.
They now hold regular workshops and social gatherings for crafters.
She said: "It is amazing to know that you are appreciated by your customers when running a small business.
"I've been told that there was more than one customer who nominated me which is so lovely.
"The shop is really quirky and I get to see people make friends and then leave with something pretty they have made which gives me a real sense of achievement."
The nominations list also includes last year's Ely Hero winner Ruth Marley in the Community Champion category with her Community Larder project and Ely Rock Eels whizz Fleur Patten.
Here is a full list of the finalists:
Smilest Server
Chris Croucher - Bent & Cornwall Butchers, Ely
Adrian and Debbie - Lemon Tree Deli, Ely
Louise Drake - Sewing Daze, Sutton
Most Amazing Professional
Thomas O'Connor - Dentist at Princess of Wales
Alison Kilby
Charlotte Kirin
Child of Achievement
Megan Langford
Liam Johnson
Maisie Prigg
Jucidena Upchurch Bent
Colleague of the Year
Mark Cornell
Amanda Shepherd
Neighbour of the Year
Lisa Cousins
Bernette Britton
Barry & Joan Lonsdale
Sporting Hero
Nigel Pate (AKA Mr Witcham Cricket Club)
Justin Smith
Lizzy Harrison - 14 yr old Witchford College Student
The Ely Hero
Mark Cornell - Prospects Trust
Clare Clay - Rox Vox Choir, Prickwillow
Alison Fitt
Best Teacher
Carlene Chambers
Louise Smith
Adam Steels
Community Champion
Howard Palmer on behalf of Team D - Witchford Community Group
Ruth Marley - Community Larder, Ely
Fleur Patten - Ely Rocks
Caring Companion
Priscilla Free
Christina Underwood
Ian Hitch
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here