An award ceremony was held to recognise unsung heroes in the community.

The Civic Awards for presented to volunteers by the Mayor of Hertsmere at Elstree Studios on Saturday, April 29.

Judges chose the winners from a list of nominees across the borough for their outstanding contribution to the community.

Two members of the Rotary Club of Elstree and Borehamwood, and a Borehamwood firefighter were among those recognised for their hard work.

President of the club Nick Male is being celebrated for his work with various music groups as well as other charity work he carries out.

Nick is the chairman of the Hertsmere Acoustic Music Group which gives those with special educational needs a chance to perform, is the leader of The Senior Moments choir as well as a longstanding member of local folk group The Woodmen.

As well as acting as a translator for the Borehamwood and Elstree Town Twinning Association, he continues to support the Otter Swimming Club for the disabled started by his late father George.

The Secretary of the Rotary David Clout was also one of those honoured at this year’s award ceremony.

He is the chairman of the Visually Impaired Club and of the Talking Newspaper which he has volunteered at for 30 years, as well as helping to start the town’s foodbank.

In a film recorded for the council David said: “It so happens that the Rotary motto ‘service above self’ fits in well with my own Christian beliefs.

“Whether it is half an hour or five hours a week, please put something into the community. You will get something out of it.”

Gary Shinn, 50, was presented with the Dave Rankin Award for community safety for his serving 21 years at Borehamwood Fire Station.

Mr Shinn has been the crew commander of White Watch since 2001, and has been instrumental in saving people’s lives both directly in emergencies and indirectly through educating people in fire safety.

As a volunteer he has pioneered the award-winning Crash Bang project helping young offenders for 10 years.

Other people in the borough rewarded for their hard work include Potters Bar Museum Arnold Davey, Potters Bar maths teacher Jane McMahon, Shenley fete organiser Guy Beaton, and pharmacist Yogesh Morjaria.