Held in association with Horsham district council, a great variety of people and organisations in 14 different categories from right across the Horsham district were recognised and applauded by more than 300 people.

Perhaps one the most emotional moments was when Elayne Dunn was awarded with the highly contested Best Volunteer prize.

Elayne pioneers a groundbreaking therapy course run in partnership with Age Concern called CHAT which stands for cognitive help and therapy.

The volunteer's eyes welled up as she listened to the heartfelt testament played over the theatre's audio system, where users of the service for people with dementia of all ages spoke candidly about what Elayne's tireless efforts mean to them.

Storrington Minibus Association took home the Best Community Service prize, and the evening proved a fantastic last minute addition to the wonderful schedule of visits and shopping missions it provides to many in the Storrinton area.

The warm atmosphere of the awards was aided by appropriately themed music for each prize, with school teachers making their approach to the stage humming 'I'd like to teach the world to sing', playgroup leaders bouncing up to 'Sesame Street', and this year's Best Friend having 'Thank you for being a friend' by Andrew Gold to accompany them.

The night climaxed with the County Times Special Award which went to Roundabout Talking News, and its chairman John Dean.

Gary Shipton, the editor-chief of the County Times explained how the paper has worked closely with the talking news service for many years, and that with Roundabout Talking News celebrating its 30th anniversary, it is a fitting time for such a tribute.

The audience heard from one long time 'listener' Gill Charman, who explained what a community lifeline the free tape delivery service is, to many blind and partially sighted people in the Horsham area.

Throughout the night sponsors spoke of their pride in being associated with the Community Awards, before presenting the many winners with trophies and certificates.

The evening finished with a heartfelt note of appreciation by Gary Shipton to those who had made the event possible, especially partners Horsham district council, and the Capitol itself, as well as County Times staff Patricia Slatter and Theo Cronin.

However, there was one further unscripted finalé, when the award's presenter Theo Cronin led the entire audience in song, wishing a shocked Gary Shipton a 'Happy Birthday'.

The West Sussex County Times Community Awards will be repeated next year, but perhaps by editorial decree, not on October 1 this time!

For a full report including a comprehensive list of all the winners and runners up, plus photos, buy the West Sussex County Times on Friday October 9 2009.