Vernon Building Society has announced this year’s winners of its Community Awards, sharing its £10,000 fund among 14 fantastic local organisations.

St Ann’s Hospice had the highest number of votes, followed by Hawk Green Women’s Cricket Team and Together Trust in second and third place.

The Community Awards celebrate Stockport’s charity and not-for-profit sector, and the society has donated over £100,000 to local good causes over the last 10 years.

This year’s finalists range from large well-established charities to small grassroots organisations. They were all chosen for their work supporting communities in Stockport and surrounding areas.

Tanasè Rivers, head of marketing, brand and culture at Vernon Building Society, said: “Vernon is incredibly proud to support our local charity and not-for-profit sector and we’re truly humbled by the fantastic work they do for communities in Stockport.

“Congratulations to this year’s overall winner, St Ann’s Hospice, and to all our worthy finalists.”

Rachel McMillan, chief executive at St Ann’s Hospice, added: “We’re so proud to win the Vernon Community Award, particularly in our 50th birthday year.

“As a charity that needs to raise £20,000 a day to keep our hospice sites and community services running for local patients, the money generously donated by Vernon Building Society through these awards really does make a big difference.

“We wouldn’t be here without our amazing supporters and we’re so grateful to everyone that voted for us and also to the Vernon colleagues who voted for us too.”

Vernon’s Colleague Choice Award, which awards an additional £500 of funding, also went to St Ann’s Hospice, meaning it received a total of £2,000.

The full winners’ list of the 2021 Vernon Community Awards is below:

1. St Ann’s Hospice – £1,500

2. Hawk Green Women’s Cricket Team – £1,250

3. Together Trust – £1,100

4. Handy Ladies Feeding the Community – £1,000

5. The Garden House Marple – £850

6. Bare Necessities Toilet Bank – £750

7. Signpost Stockport for Carers – £750

8. Hatters Outreach Providing Essentials – £600

9. NK Theatre Arts – £450

10. Stockport without Abuse – £450

11. Supportability – £450

12. Poynton Pedals for All – £300

13. Walthew House – £300

14. Seashell Trust – £250