Wirral charity Stick ‘n’ Step - which helps children with cerebral palsy - has won two awards for its work.

The Birkenhead-based group, which provides conductive therapy that helps the youngsters walk and communicate, picked up the Spirit of Merseyside Children and young people’s award and the Project of the year award.

Each year, the Spirit of Merseyside charity awards celebration, run by the Community Foundation for Merseyside, recognises the hard work of the county's voluntary and community sector and donors.

Unilever UK was voted as the People’s company of the year due to its support of voluntary and environmentally-themed community activity.

With the exception of the Project of the year award, winners were all decided through a public vote on the Community Foundation for Merseyside’s website.

In the Celebrity champion award, Liverpool FC defender Jamie Carragher saw off competition from Ken Dodd, Ricky Tomlinson and Sue Johnston - all shortlisted for their contribution to our local communities.

The awards dinner was hosted by BBC Radio Merseyside presenter Roger Phillips at Liverpool Anglican Cathedral.

The event showed short films of all 37 nominees to showcase the excellent work that goes on in communities throughout Merseyside.

Community Foundation for Merseyside acting chief executive Cathy Elliott said: “This year, we’ve really outdone ourselves.

"All of the groups who were shortlisted were fantastic and it was a brilliant opportunity to show just how strong the community sector is in Merseyside.

"We pride ourselves on creating partnerships and encouraging everyone to get involved, from the community groups and participants through to our donors, staff and local personalities. The evening was a great success.”

All nominated groups have received funding from the Community Foundation for Merseyside, which gives out around £5m each year to local charities.

For more information about Community Foundation for Merseyside and the Spirit of Merseyside Awards 2009, please visit www.cfmerseyside.org.uk.