Signature is a charity promoting excellence in communication with deaf and deafblind people, and the awards honour those who help them overcome barriers in everyday life.
Local people came to the centre's rescue last year when it was in danger of going under because of the high cost of essential repairs.
Barrie Curtis and his wife Susan, who run it, launched the DIY Deaf-OS appeal and to date more than £80,000 has been received, enabling the centre to undergo modernisation and thus ensuring its long-term future.
The centre – the only one of its kind in the county – is open to both deaf people and the hearing community.
Its services include British Sign Language classes, social events, children's groups, youth groups and a place where deaf people can meet and be around others who understand their situation.
