Workers who have gone the extra mile to improve residents’ lives have been recognised at Basildon Council’s annual staff awards.

The winners of each of the eight categories were announced during a ceremony at the Towngate Theatre. The categories included the Improving Lives Award, where the winner was selected from public nominations.

Winner Sonia Day, who works in the council’s Tenancy and Estate Management team, was praised by her nominator for making an “incredible difference” and dealing with tenants’ problems quickly and effectively.

The Working Together Award, sponsored by Sempra Homes, was won by the Customer Partnership Programme, which was responsible for the refurbishment of services in the Basildon Centre, which includes the new community hub, bringing together services from Basildon Council, the Department for Work and Pensions, Citizens Advice and Essex County Council.

Basildon Council Chief executive Bala Mahendran said: “It is easy to think of councils as faceless bureaucracies dealing with figures and finances, but it is the people who work here whose tireless efforts ensure we are successful.

“So many of our staff really go above and beyond the call of duty to make Basildon borough a better place to live and work in.”

“All the award winners are a real credit to the council and the community and it is a privilege to be present to see them recognised for their dedication.”