Hertsmere Mencap marked the end of its 50th anniversary year with a gala Christmas party.

Members, families, and special guests including the Mayor and Mayoress of Hertsmere Councillor Carey Keates and Shirley Keates all joined in the evening and awards ceremony held at Allum Hall in Elstree.

Andrew Brown received the Roy Pursey Award for effort and commitment to Hertsmere Mencap, which was presented to him by Cllr Keates.

Deputy town mayor Cllr Richard Butler presented Natalie Moser with the Elisabeth Spector Award in recognition of her work on design and publicity for the society.

In his welcome speech, chairman Paul Moser expressed his thanks to all the people in the community who support the society and especially those who had sponsored the event.