Watford Synagogue members Helen Gordon and Simon Grant were honoured by the UK’s Chief Rabbi, Lord Jonathan Sacks, after being nominated for awards under the United Synagogue’s recognition scheme for volunteers.

Father of two Simon Grant has been security officer for Watford Synagogue since 2009 when he took on the challenge to modernise security and build a security team, which now has 30 members. Simon attends all the community’s services, standing outside with his team, come rain or shine.

Endorsing Simon for the well-deserved accolade, Watford Synagogue’s chairman Ronnie Jacob said: "Simon’s enormous enthusiasm has taken our security to a new level we have never experienced before."

West Herts College teacher and mother of two Helen Gordon is Watford Synagogue’s board member responsible for youth. On joining the synagogue 11 years ago she quickly took an active role, running the community’s successful Baby & Toddler Group for three years. She then recognised there was a gap in the community for youth activities and started to organise successful events.

She said: "Watford Synagogue’s young people are a credit to our community and deserve to enjoy their own events. I get fulfilment from seeing them grow as individuals and helping to build a sense of community."