It’s great to see such strong community events taking place this week.

The Civic Awards is a fantastic way to show off the amazing work being done in the borough. Work that thousands of people would otherwise not know about.

It’s often said the newspapers don’t write enough positive stories, that we aren’t interested in them.

I’ve heard more than once from people on the streets of Hackney that the Gazette should cover more good news stories, but it may surprise some to learn we actually relish the opportunity to do so, particularly in a borough with such incredible and innovative stuff happening.

Not only do we as journalists get to meet and speak to the people responsible for amazing achievements, we also have the opportunity to spread the word and make other people aware of what they do.

In a year that has so far seen a depressing amount of deaths and violent crime – which we have to report on – it is all the more important to write about the good things that take place here in Hackney. Like the Civic Awards. And like the Hackney Half.

Thousands of people lined the streets to cheer on the 20,000 taking part in the race.

People passed water bottles and sweets out of flat windows as they cheered on the runners on what was a very hot day to be taking part in a 13.1 mile slog.

The atmosphere was incredible and I know my colleagues who took part in the race – better men than I – felt that extra bit of motivation because of it.

Days like Sunday and events like last night’s Civic Awards are what make Hackney the place that it is.

So if anyone reading this has any stories about amazing individuals or incredible feats of achievement they think should be reported, please – let us know!