Former Peace Hospice Care Chairman of Trustees Stuart Nagler has received a prestigious award for his continued contribution to the community over the past 40 years.

The award was made during Hertsmere Borough Council's annual Civic Dinner and 40th anniversary celebrations.

Mr Nagler was recognised for his continued commitment to making a difference to other people's lives and his outstanding work helping those less fortunate than himself.

He was among the great and good of Hertsmere who had been rewarded for their involvement in the community. More than ten volunteers collected a Civic Award for their work but it was Stuart who stepped up for the very special award on the night.

He said: "I am overwhelmed and honoured to receive this award and it has brought tears to my eyes. Being recognized by your peers is probably the highest honour."

Mr Nagler shared an ode from John Wesley in the 1700s that sums up what he believes in: "Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, at all the times you can, to all the people you can, as long as you ever can. And I shall continue as long as I have breath in my body."

He had been a trustee for Peace Hospice Care for six years and an active fundraiser taking part in the Starlight Walk and numerous other events before his retirement in September 2011.

His passion for the hospice and proactive approach gained him respect from fellow trustees, staff and volunteers.

Current chairman of trustees, David Ellis OBE, said: "This award couldn't have gone to a more deserving person. Stuart has worked tirelessly for the hospice over many years ensuring that those people who have needed our services have been able to access them.

"He effectively led our Board of Trustees and helped the hospice to expand its services including the introduction of the Hospice at Home service."

Hospice chief executive, Sue Plummer, said: "Stuart was extremely effective in his role as chairman and was highly respected amongst our staff and volunteers. He made a huge contribution to the Hospice and helped to steer the organisation through the tough economic recession. We are absolutely delighted that Stuart has been recognised in this way, it's fully deserved."

In addition to his commitment to the hospice, he was also a councillor in Hertsmere between 1991 and 2003, a Mayor, a trustee for various local boards including the Domestic Violence Helpline and a magistrate for 27 years.