10-Year-Old "Beach Clean Champion" Wins Big at Norfolk Community Awards

The BBC Radio Norfolk Make A Difference Awards 2025, held on September 26th, 2025, recognized remarkable individuals and groups who go above and beyond to improve their local communities in Norfolk. The event, the first to be hosted at the restored Norwich Castle Museum, celebrated winners across eight categories, including Young Hero, Great Neighbour, and Community Group.

Among the honorees was 10-year-old Amaya, who received the Green Award for her tireless efforts to protect the Norfolk coastline. Amaya, who dreams of becoming a marine biologist, picks litter at Heacham beach almost daily, organizes beach cleanups, and has even saved hundreds of stranded jellyfish. Despite facing challenges like autism and selective mutism, Amaya uses illustrations to educate people on the importance of wildlife conservation.

Another standout winner was 79-year-old Angela French, who took home the Great Neighbour Award for her work to make the town of Wisbech more vibrant. Despite using a walker due to arthritis, Angela anonymously paints the windows of local businesses and churches, earning her the self-styled title of the town's "Banksy."

Dance instructor Lauren Rackham was also celebrated, winning the Active Award for her inclusive dance classes. In 2021, Lauren launched No Limits Norfolk, which now offers 33 weekly dance sessions for people of all abilities, inspired by her brother who has complex autism.