Hard-working volunteers from across Hertsmere were honoured for their achievements at the borough council's Civic Dinner on Saturday evening.

Community Awards were presented to 26 people on the night, in recognition of their years of dedication.

The Mayor of Hertsmere, Councillor Bill Hogan decided to introduce the scheme after visiting voluntary groups during his mayoral year, and it is now set to become an annual event. Mr Hogan said: "When I went to visit these groups I was amazed by the wonderful work they were doing and thought they deserved some reward."

The organisations presented with scrolls included Borehamwood Otters Swimming Club for the Disabled, Hertsmere Worknet and Elstree and District Scout Association.

Penniwells Riding Centre for the Disabled, Hertsmere Community Voluntary Support and Hertsmere Crossroads Care Scheme also received awards.

Five individual award winners included Susan Curlis, a Borehamwood teacher who runs clubs for people with mental disabilities, and Laurie and Edith Oakley, from Radlett, who have been raising money for leukaemia research for more than 40 years.