AN award ceremony has been held to celebrate the achievements of adults with learning disabilities.

Essex Cares Ltd hosted the event for adults who attend centres in Colchester, Clacton and Harwich.

Colchester’s Stevi Ritchie, best known for his appearances on the X Factor and Celebrity Big Brother, signed autographs and posed for photos.

Peter Hockley, who works at ECL’s Oakwood Packaging in Little Clacton, won the Best Smile award for always being happy at work.

Kimberley Webber, who attends the Crafty Drama group in Colchester, won the Most Creative category for her dancing and acting skills.

The award for the Funniest Member went to Edgar Da Silva from the Woodlands hub in Colchester for always making people laugh.

Brian Scott, who volunteers at the Plough hub in Little Clacton, won the Most Helpful award. He is always the first person to volunteer if the library is short of volunteers.

The award for Most Positive Member went to Margaret Brannon who attends the Woodlands hub in Colchester. She is always overcoming obstacles and loves to lead fitness classes.

The Life Skill Achievement award went to Angela Danvers who attends the Plough hub in Little Clacton. She has lost

more than 4st with Slimming World.

Staff were also praised for their hard work and dedication.

The Most Positive award went to Ben Smith at ECL Harwich.

He was said to have a great can-do attitude and nothing is too much trouble for him.

The award for the funniest member of staff went to Javiera Romero-Munoz from Redlands Cafe in Colchester who welcomes everyone with a smile.

The Most Supportive award went to Katy Gooding at Oakwood Packaging in Little Clacton who was praised for her calm nature.

The award for Going Above and Beyond went to Fiona Baumann in Colchester who always comes up with new activities.

From choosing the theme and nominating the winners to compiling the DJ’s playlist, the adults with learning disabilities were involved at every stage.

They were able to showcase the skills learnt at the ECL day centres by providing the catering, creating table decorations and making the selfie frames and trophies.

About 200 guests attended the disco themed party at Colchester Town Hall.

Claire Shuter, ECL corporate development director, said: “We have celebrated some incredible achievements and I’m impressed with the event

“Everyone had an amazing time, there were so many smiling faces.”