Last night was BBC Essex’s Annual ‘Make a Difference’ Awards.

It’s always a fantastic evening but this year was very special as Rebecca had the honour of presenting the Carer Award to a very special lady from Thundersley.

Karen Hardaker has been fostering for 19 years and has raised 9 foster children since she moved to Thundersley in the early 1990s. A truly inspiring woman with an enormous heart.

Congratulations also to the runners-up in the Green Award, the fabulous Canvey Bay Watch group.

The evening was hosted by BBC Essex’s own Sonia Watson and Dave Monk.

Although it was an evening of great celebration, there was a tinge of sadness as today was the legendary Dave Monk’s last show on BBC Essex after nearly 37 years of broadcasting. He has done a great deal for Essex over the years and his reassuring cheery tones have been appreciated by generations of listeners.