Meet Derbyshire's Stars of 2020 - the incredible people who have helped you get through a tough year

From essential workers to kind-hearted neighbours and volunteers, Derbyshire Times readers got in touch to nominate their Stars of 2020 – the champions who have gone the extra mile for the Derbyshire community during the coronavirus pandemic this year.

And reading your touching comments and messages really reminded us of just how much the borough has to be proud of.

So as we head into the final moments of 2020, we’ve put together this round-up highlighting just some of the hard work carried out by your loved ones this year.

They sang, they shopped, they taught and they baked.

Thank you to everyone who has worked so hard – from those on the front lines to community volunteers and entertainers – and thank you to everyone who sent in a picture or message.

Here are some of your nominations from the Derbyshire Times Facebook page:

Rich Hancock: Abi Turner has helped keep everyone fit, motivated and positive throughout lockdown.Doing free online classes it has been great for mental health.She’s in effect been working for free to keep the rest of us sane.All whilst starting her new dance academy business only a year ago.An amazing local inspiration!

Tracey Rouse: Billy Devine and Olivia Bedford for all their fantastic work they do .

They have raised money for several charities in loving memory of Billy’s mum Jane Elizabeth Devine who fought breast and brain cancer for a year until she sadly lost her battle in September.

They give up so much of their own free time and they have raised an amazing amount of money.

So proud of them both.

Phoebe Leigh: Jeff Astell. One of the most resilient people you will meet.My grandad has fought many different battles this year, including having an amputation on his leg, pneumonia, throat cancer and dealing with many hospital stays over the months.

Yet he has not complained once.

Every time he goes into the hospital, he makes friends, the nurses love him as he has always got a smile on his face!

Becci Wild: My daughter Roxanne Wild.

Early last year when she was only 11 she decided to cut and donate her hair to The Little Princess Trust.Then the first lockdown hit and she was no longer able to get the haircut, this didn't stop her she continued to raise money and continued to let her hair grow.She originally intended to donate 12 inches but by the time the hairdressers were open again she had 17 inches of hair cut off to donate along side of £169 raised towards the great cause.

Mark Szadura: Joshua Mason of Inspirations Theatre Company Chesterfield, who has as well as providing online teaching for his members he has also been providing free online theatre themed activities for anyone, including weekly quizzes, script read through’s and online concerts.

This has been great fun wonderful for mental health and motivation.

Helen Louise Matthews: My daughter Charlotte Hempenstall Matthews for working full-time as a carer in the community during the first lockdown.

As well as shopping for myself and my parents as we are vulnerable.

She never complains and always does this with a smile.

Rachael Higgins: Rhys Aubignac for working all hours in A&E and the Covid wards.

Then coming home too a newborn, and at the same time going out and doing the shopping for the vulnerable.

Kelly-Louise Stevens: Gussies Kitchen based at St Augustine’s Church on Derby road, they been supporting families in Chesterfield with food parcels since March 17, 2020.

The volunteers only had a week off for Christmas but during that week they still put food out for the community.

Since March they have done over 22,000 food parcels and during the third lockdown they are busy supporting even more families.

Emma Kirk: Gavin Gill for volunteering for the blood bike team and being able to help and support the NHS in these incredibly difficult times.

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.