A shortlist of businesses who have helped the community during lockdown has been released.

Over the next two weeks we will be showcasing some of the amazing work these individuals and businesses have performed throughout the coronavirus pandemic.

Today, we are recognising those in the Above and Beyond category:

Carl Wakefield

Braintree and Witham Times:

A the headteacher of Plume Academy, Carl was tasked with ensuring the students safety.

Comments from those who nominated him said: "He has worked tirelessly to ensure the wellbeing of students.

"Above anything else, the true spirit, enthusiasm and positivity that this man exudes is inspirational.

"He genuinely cares about his staff and pupils and could not have done more to ensure everyone had the support they needed."

Another said: "He has gone above and beyond, working night and day, using the school as a factory for Covid masks for frontline workers, constantly communicating with the Plume Family to instil calm and kindness. "

Sarah Troop

Braintree and Witham Times:

As director of Maldon and District CVS, Sarah felt it was only right she stepped up to bring the community together this year.

She said: "“The last six months plus have been extremely challenging as the community has worked hard to keep our vulnerable members safe and supported.

"There were long hours and challenges but I was blessed with brilliant support from my team at MDCVS and I cannot speak highly enough of the community partners and volunteers who also more than played their role."

Her nomination said: "“Sarah has led the District with passion and selflessness to deliver an outstanding community response.

"She has worked tirelessly and has been the glue that has pulled this group together."

Kevin Jennings

Braintree and Witham Times:

Kevin's nomination said he was the 'backbone' of the emergency response team.

It read: "He volunteered five days a week throughout the pandemic providing support to people who were in crisis.

"Many times the calls that were put through to him were people in tears and scared.

"His kind response put them at ease and was an important first contact for them to be able to feel comfortable accessing ongoing support."

Ralph Springett

Ralph worked with Maldon CVS to help coordinate food parcels and prescription deliveries.

He said: "I am honoured that I have been nominated for this award but embarrassed as I feel that it was a team effort of which I was just a small part.”

Julia Rome

Braintree and Witham Times:

Julia's was a part of the urgent response tem through the pandemic.

Her nomination said: "She has often had to drop everything to get to a pharmacy before closing to ensure people have vital medication.

"Julia’s role has quite simply been critical.

"Throughout the response Julia has given her time generously and with a smile."

Jon Doyle

Braintree and Witham Times:

Jon said he did what "any Salvation Officer would have done in his position."

His nomination said: "Lt Jon Doyle has been a key community leader during the outbreak managing the distribution of hundreds of food parcels

"He supported without judgement and was patient, kind and approachable at all times.”

Clare Montgomery

Braintree and Witham Times:

Clare received 32 nominations after raising £5000 for the Big Sing Choir and making essential PPE.

One of her nominations said: "Clare has used her creative skills and wonderful sense of community and caring to spend endless hours making scrubs and face masks for our local hospitals and care homes.

"From the start she put herself forward and has worked virtually non stop throughout."

John Driver

Braintree and Witham Times:

John said it has been a "privilege" to be involved in the coronavirus helpline.

His nomination said: "John’s role has been a steady presence throughout the pandemic.

"We know from feedback that the calm and reassuring voice at the end of the phone has been so important to members of the community and John has done this brilliantly.

"We are lucky to have him as part of the team."

Emma Durrant

Braintree and Witham Times:

Emma launched some inspiring initiatives as leader of The Sound Collective Choir to help lift spirits.

Her nomination said: "Throughout the difficulties, she has gone above & beyond to keep the Choir ‘singing’ from afar.

"She is always cheerful, enthusiastic and looking for the next thing"

Find out more about the nominations here.

Tomorrow we will be looking at the Individuals within a team category.