DAVID Blevins, Sky News Senior Ireland Correspondent, has said he looking forward to "celebrating all that is good about the community" as host of the Impartial Reporter Community Champion Awards. 

Taking place at the prestigious Lough Erne Resort tonight (Thursday), the event promises to illuminate the extraordinary efforts of individuals and businesses embodying the ethos of selflessness and community service.

Mr. Blevins, who is no stranger to shining a light on inspirational community heroes, said he feels "very honoured" to be the host.

"As a Journalist who has interviewed US presidents, Irish presidents and Prime Ministers, people often ask who has had the greatest impression on me," he said.  

"My answer is always the same - it is the stories of those of ordinary people, and how they deal with situations in their lives. 

"In many cases within Fermanagh, it has been hearing the stories of people who have lost loved ones during the conflict, and how they have shown enormous courage in adversity."

As a senior Ireland correspondent, Mr. Blevins has covered news stories north and south of the border, and has won commendation from both sides of the political divide for his balanced and impartial journalism.

In Fermanagh, he has closely covered Arlene Foster's career as First Minister, the G8 Summit and Royal visits.. 

However, he agrees that the "unsung heroes" within local communities have had a much greater impact. 

"So often it is the people who aren't front and centre of politics and society who have the greatest contribution to make," he said. "There are unsung heroes everywhere that make a community function.
  
"They are the teachers, the nurses, the people who volunteer to sit on the Board of Governors or a youth organisation. They are the people trying to operate a small business in the middle of a cost of living crisis. 

"They are the people at the heartbeat of a community. They aren't those who we are hearing an awful lot about right now, who are campaigning for high office. They are the people on the ground dealing with the bread and butter issues throughout."
 
Mr. Blevins added that he is looking forward to returning to "beautiful" Co Fermanagh for the much-anticipated event, sponsored by Encirc. 

"It can be cliched, but I do feel very honoured, not least because it is the inaugural awards," he said. "It really is a privilege for me. 

"I am greatly looking forward to (the awards), and joining with the Impartial Reporter in celebrating all that is good about the community."