Dedicated volunteers who make a difference to the lives of others were honoured at Hertsmere’s Civic Awards on Saturday night.

Julian Treves Brown, of Radlett, and Ken Moxley, of Bushey, were among the nine people recognised for their work in the community.

About 200 guests attended the Civic Dinner in Elstree studios, where there was also a raffle, a silent auction and a live auction to raise money for Herts Air Ambulance.

Julian, 44, of Sherland Court, works as a full-time carer and still has time to be chairman of Bushey and Watford PHAB (Physically disabled and Able bodied) Club.

The club, which Julian has been involved with for 25 years, organises social activities and events which act as a way of bringing able-bodied and disabled people together.

Julian said: "I just wanted disabled people to be given the same opportunities as everyone else, and for them to have fun and to break down the barriers."

Julian said he was surprised to win the award, as he did not know he was going to receive it until his name was read out at the ceremony.

The PHAB chairman is also a trustee of Lincolnsfields Children’s Centre, a registered children’s charity that provides opportunities for children and adults with or without special needs.

Another award winner was Ken Moxley, of Chiltern Avenue, Bushey, who was commended for his 30 years of work in the community, among which he helped to found the Bushey Youth and Community Centre in Falconer Road.

Ken, a retired community police officer with the Metropolitan Police, said it was seeing what was going on in the area and the need for doing something collectively that inspired him to start up the centre.

The 68-year-old is a member of the Bushey Round Table, has worked with Wenta and The Prince’s Trust for 13 years and has been involved in the Bushey Festival.

Ken spoke of how different world is now, where people do not seem to have the time to participate in community groups, even those who are unemployed.

"If they have got spare time they could get themselves involved in community work that would increase their self esteem," he said.

Ken explained how he thinks participating in community activities makes an individual seem more attractive to potential employers.

Ken added: "People appreciate it when you do something constructive in the community. People respect you for that."

Ken said it was a lovely surprise to find out Councillor Pervez Choudhury had nominated him, who he has known since the councillor was a schoolboy and they worked together as part of a fundraising campaign for schools in Bangladesh.

Councillor Pat Strack said: "I hope their example will inspire other volunteers to come forward and help make Hertsmere an even safer, healthier, more pleasant place to live and work."