Homeless centre manager wins acclaim from Sheriff

Anthony Cooper is approaching the end of his 12 months in office, and earlier this year he appealed for nominations for the High Sheriff’s awards, which honour community workers, either paid or voluntary.

The overall winner of the competition was Kevin Bradley. He manages the St Wildfrid’s Centre in Queens Road, near Sheffield city centre, which helps homeless people in the city.

Mr Bradley received a cheque for £500 to put towards the work of the centre, which deals with 18,000 people a year. He was joined by Sergeant Brendan Pakenham of South Yorkshire Police at the awards ceremony, who nominated him for the prize.

In total, eight people were nominated for their work in the community, including Maureen Barnes, who works at Sheffield’s Whirlow Hall farm, and Sean Greaves of the Sheffield Springs academy, who both received commendations.

Speaking after the ceremony at Rotherham Town Hall, the High Sheriff said: “Reading the award nominations was both a heartening and humbling experience.

“There are people throughout the length and breadth of the county who are making a real difference in their communities.

“The annual award ceremony which features towards the end of the High Sheriff’s term, is an excellent way to recognise just a few of those who either give their time or go that additional mile in the service of others.”