THEY are the groups and individuals who make good things happen everyday for people in their communities.

More than 40 individuals, charities and community groups received awards for their tireless efforts by the Daily Echo and Combined Insurance at the Make it Happen awards night on Monday.

Representatives of 42 groups from across the area enjoyed an evening at the Southampton Novotel where they received the cash awards that will help them make a real difference.

The Daily Echo teamed up with Combined Insurance, which operates throughout the country, in May to offer every single reader the opportunity to claim a share of a £10,000 award pot.

We received hundreds of applications and recipients included sports clubs, Scout and Guide groups, retired people's social clubs and charities.

On hand to present the cheques was Southampton's newest Olympic medal winner, diver Peter Waterfield.

Peter, 23, from Millbrook, sported the silver medal he won in Athens with diving partner Leon Taylor in the 10m synchronised contest.

"It's been a great night," he said, "It's wonderful to see so many people of all ages from different sections of the community here."

Helping Peter with the all-important cheque presentations was Combined Insurance senior regional manager for South East England, Alwyn Hill.

Mr Hill said: "We want to get more involved in the communities where we have customers. We are a community insurer.

"This is quite something. It's the first time I have been involved in these awards and it's wonderful to see so many people benefiting. We see this as an excellent opportunity to provide something special for people in the community."

Among those who waited eagerly before being presented with their Make it Happen award was ten-year-old Jessica Atkins, from Woolston. Jessica, a member of the 9th Itchen Sea Scouts, picked up an award for £150 to upgrade the group's equipment.

Jessica said: "It's great to be a member of this group because we do so many activities like kayaking and going out on the boats.

"It's really good that we've been awarded some money. We were all very pleased when we found out."