Meet Mansfield's Stars of 2020 - the incredible people who have helped you get through a tough year

From essential workers to kind-hearted neighbours and volunteers, Mansfield Chad readers got in touch to nominate their Stars of 2020 – the champions who have gone the extra mile for the Mansfield community during the coronavirus pandemic this year.

And reading your touching comments and messages really reminded us of just how much the borough has to be proud of.

So as we head into the final moments of 2020, we’ve put together this round-up highlighting just some of the hard work carried out by your loved ones this year.

They sang, they shopped, they taught and they baked.

Thank you to everyone who has worked so hard – from those on the front lines to community volunteers and entertainers – and thank you to everyone who sent in a picture or message.

Here are some of your nominations from the Mansfield Chad Facebook page:

Sam Hurst: Judith Wood goes out her way for school pupils at Eastlands Junior School at Meden Vale.Nothing is to much if you ask her she will help.She goes out her way to do so.Thank you every much.

Karen Hardy: Paula Lofley who with her friend Kay Chant has done amazing things supporting people in Warsop.They've been working hard since March to provide support to people seven days a week.They've made a huge difference to those isolated or struggling because of the financial impact of Covid-19. Amazing work from two amazing ladies.

Claire Wilson: Emma Olden at Selston Sarnies has worked tirelessly and selflessly during the pandemic to look after others, making sure that vulnerable people have been cared for.If you want the definition of community spirit then you don't need to look any further!She's a superstar.

Emma Coleman: I’d like to nominate Lee Giles for selflessly giving up his spare time by becoming a NHS volunteer responder helping out the community.

Not only this but Lee is also now a Samaritan and offers fantastic support to those who need it!

Lee does all of this whilst also working full time.

He goes above and beyond for all his family and friends and we love and appreciate him very much!

Sarah Louise Hrycaj: Rachel Spray.

She only took over the headship at Crescent Primary School last Easter, and has guided us as a staff our children and their parents through this pandemic with a smile and an unrelenting positive attitude.

She has worked into the night, writing and rewriting risk assessments, delivered food parcels to our most vulnerable families and been a constant presence in school, during term time and throughout the holidays, to ensure that the needs of all are consistently met.

We couldn't have done it, and still be doing it without her.

Jackie Simpson: My amazing team on ward 52.

They all work so hard to provide the best possible care to our most vulnerable elderly patients.

Going above and beyond to ensure they deliver an excellent patient experience.

These times might be the most challenging we have faced but coming together has made it possible.

I am so proud of every single one of them.

Jen Froggatt: Billie Smith has been a tremendous supporter of the Pinxton and South Normanton community.He has brought some sunshine during a gloomy Covid year. He has played for the VE Day celebrations.He has played for peoples birthdays and Anniversaries all in his own time, using fuel, in his fabulous American car.He really went the extra mile, dressing as Santa Claus, decorating his car, playing carols in the village.Billie deserves to be recognised for his contribution to our Community.

Donna Buck: Karen Brown. Oak Tree Lane Estate. Karen created Oak Tree Estate News during the first lockdown of 2020.Her passion was the Estate, it's residents and the happenings going on all around.Sadly, Karen passed away on January 4, 2021.She was and always will be, a much treasured character of our community.She saw people as they were, said it how it was and never judged.She brought Oak Tree together during lockdown with her page.She deserves some recognition. Much loved and much missed.

Nerissa Hursthouse: Niketta Bowerman.She lives on the Bellamy road estate.In the first lockdown she started a little charity called Helping Hands which involved a Facebook support group which helped many many local people, she stayed up all night chatting to people who may have been struggling. She had the idea to make little “pick me up bags” with a few goodies like face masks, chocolates, candles and socks all with inspirational quotes on and anonymously left them on peoples doorsteps to make them smile and let people know they’re loved and not alone also making them aware of the support group.

Zoe Stockham: The star of our village is definitely Amanda Hill.She has done so much for our village from making food parcels to Santa sacks.She gave us art and craft supplies, pumpkins at Halloween and Christmas treats.

She helped our community and cheered up our children, anyone in need of help she was there.

Amanda Hill: I would personally like to nominate Kelly Wright.A school teacher who lost her main man, her dad.This lady has not only put her village before everything else but has also funded all this from her own pocket and her husband Paul's pocket.

They have distributed over 500 food parcels in lock down to our NHS workers, carers, vulnerable, single parents and OAP's. Not only did they take time out from their own family life to do this they took time out from work.These two people make where I life a better place. I'm personally so proud of them.

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.