THREE community heroes from Birkenhead are among those honoured for going above and beyond the call of duty during lockdown.

Andy Poynton, Cheryl German and Michelle Bridge have been selected by Mecca Bingo as part of a national campaign. 

Over the last month, the company has asked UK residents to nominate heroes from their communities who have stepped up efforts over the past 12 months, to offer services and help to those around them.

Nominated by their peers and friends, each winner has done wonders for their communities over lockdown.

Andy created and manages a Facebook group named Wirral Support During Coronavirus, which has over 11,000 members and has provided urgent help and essential services for vulnerable people during the pandemic, including household goods and emotional support.

Cheryl also set up a Facebook group to help those in her local community during Covid.

She has also been a volunteer at Hope for The Hungry in Birkenhead for the past three years, helping feed those who are vulnerable or homeless.

Michelle’s social supermarket has become a pillar of the community during lockdown.

What started as a couple of shelving units of food, has developed into a fully working system, a network of like-minded individuals and continuous hard work to source groceries, items of furniture, prams, and anything else the locals might be in need of.

Mecca’s donation of £500 towards each of their causes will enable them to continue doing their amazing work.

Speaking about the recognition, Andy said: "I’m so shocked and honoured to be acknowledged by Mecca for creating the Facebook group.

"We're thrilled to have helped so many people during the pandemic, and I couldn't have done it without my admin teams support."

Accepting a bouquet of flowers, Cheryl said: "The Facebook group has been a way for my volunteering work to reach the wider community and along with Help the Hungry, has provided resources for hundreds of people over lockdown, so I'm really thankful for the recognition."

Michelle said about her win: "The social supermarket is such a labour of love, and the £500 donation will do wonders for the people that we help each day.

"It's fantastic to know that this venture has caught the eyes of friends in the community."

Throughout each lockdown, the sense of community and togetherness has grown stronger than ever before across the UK.

But with restrictions beginning to ease, Mecca Bingo felt it was time to launch a campaign to encourage the community work to continue once lockdown is over, by searching for incredible individuals to offer their help to.

Julie Donnelly, operations manager at Mecca Birkenhead, said: "Mecca will always be a huge part of local communities across the UK - we've been on the high street for 60 years.

"Through this campaign we wanted to reward individuals who play an active role to help others in need in the local area.

"Andy, Cheryl and Michelle are such worthy heroes to us, so we’re thrilled that with our support they will be able to continue their community spirit going forwards."