IN a year like no other, 22 unique purple plaques, one for each census that has taken place to date, have been awarded to community heroes up and down the country — with one of these prestigious plaques being presented to Tracey Fleming from St Dominick.

The competition, which received hundreds of entries across England and Wales, has awarded Tracey with a plaque for the dedication she has shown to her local community of St Dominick.

She has been providing takeaway services and doorstep food delivery parcels for those shielding and self-isolating during the pandemic.

Tracey, who runs the Who’d Have Thought It Inn with Caz Fleming, said: “I am truly grateful to have received the Census 2021 Community Hero Award, amongst the hundreds of entries that were submitted. The pandemic has meant that so many of us have faced hardship, I wanted to do what I can to support the people who needed it most within my community.”

The entries were judged by a panel of noteworthy community champions, led by actress and presenter Joanna Page.

Joanna commented: “I am honoured to have been a judge on the Census 2021 community hero awards panel. It was such a pleasure to read through all the amazing entries.

“In what has been a difficult year for so many of us, this was a great opportunity to say thank you to the people who go above and beyond to serve their local community.”

On Census Day today, ordinary people are being celebrated for the extraordinary contributions they have made, and to highlight how census data helps to build better communities. From volunteering during the pandemic, to supporting those with mental health issues, the winners have made an amazing difference during a difficult time.

Iain Bell, ONS deputy national statistician, added: “It has been incredible to see the reaction from local communities for this award which resulted in hundreds of entries across England and Wales.

“This is testament to just how many incredible people are doing amazing things, and how during this difficult year we have seen the best come out in people. We can all do something, however big or small, to help those around us.”

The census will shed light on the needs of different groups and communities, and the inequalities people are experiencing, ensuring the big decisions facing the country following the pandemic and EU exit are based on the best information possible.

It is easy for people to complete the census online on any device, with help and paper questionnaires for those that need them.

Households have received information via the post on the census and how to complete it online.

For more information visit census.gov.uk/census-2021-heroes