Grants to 35 neighbourhood, charity and local organisations have been awarded as part of a special Queen’s Jubilee Grants programme.

This year sees a year-long Platinum Jubilee celebration of The Queen’s seventy years of service, having acceded to the throne on 6 February 1952.

An extended bank holiday from June 2-5 will provide an opportunity for communities to come together to celebrate this historic milestone.

To support local celebrations, Hertsmere Borough Council created a grants programme of up to £500 to help those who wished to run events that celebrate and mark the Platinum Jubilee in Hertsmere.

It is hoped that supporting a range of local events will enable communities to take part in celebrations that are easily accessible and free to attend.

Councillor Meenal Sachdev, responsible for community, leisure, culture and health, said: "Her Majesty The Queen is unique in the remarkable service she has given to our country. We are delighted to be able to support an amazing range of events across Hertsmere and I’m looking forward to joining the celebrations on this historic occasion.

"By allocating funding to lots of different voluntary organisations in towns and villages across Hertsmere there should be a celebration near you, so please join in the festivities as we mark this once in a lifetime event.

"The last two years have been an extraordinarily difficult time for many of our residents and businesses. The pandemic has threatened our mental and physical health and wellbeing, put businesses at risk, had an impact of the education of our young and cruelly taken people away from loved ones.

"I am delighted we are able to support local organisations, clubs and groups to celebrate Her Majesty the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee and to help bring communities together."