They are the bravest and the best – whittled down from neatly one hundred inspiring entries nominated by the public.

Judges in the Watford Local Hero Award have announced the shortlist for this year’s competition.

The exceptional individual who stands out above all the rest will turn on the intu Watford Christmas lights on Thursday, November 12 and will receive a £500 gift voucher to spend in the centre.

Among the candidates who have made the final stage is Tyler Witherley (pictured below).

The 10-year-old was nominated by his mum Kerry, who said: “I have a chronic illness and he does so much to help.

"He cares not only for me but also his sisters, and I don’t think he realises how amazing and special he is.”

Watford Observer:

Kelly Hallett (pictured below) was nominated by daughter Holly, who said: “My mum works every day helping vulnerable people who have drug, alcohol, behaviour and mental health issues.

"She has helped thousands of people both before they are released from prison and when they are in the community.

"As well as this, she spent months helping my sister to recover after she was critically injured in a car crash at just 16 years old.”

Watford Observer:

The final five were chosen at a judging session at intu Watford, attended by Vibe 107.6FM Radio General Manager Howard Groves, intu Watford General Manager Vicky Costello, Watford Observer chief reporter Charlotte Ikonen and last year’s Local Hero winner, Rio Woolf.

Also shortlisted was Brooke Cornwell (below), who is one of 125 people across the UK born with Diamond Blackfan Anaemia - a disorder which means her bone marrow cannot produce enough red blood cells to carry oxygen around her body.

Watford Observer:

The nine-year-old has been in and out of hospital most of her life for blood transfusions, chemotherapy and to undergo a bone marrow transplant.

Her grandmother said: "Brooke has an amazing fight for life.

"She has a setback and she claws her way back.

"It’s like she’s climbing a mountain an inch at a time - someday she’s going to get to the top."

The Sanctuary music studio owner Dan Carpenter (below) is another finalist.

Those who nominated him said: “He always has time for everyone, he is great listener and great adviser, whether it’s 9am or 2am you will always be welcomed to share a cup of tea and have a laugh, cry or just play great music with a great soul.”

Watford Observer:

Home-Start Watford’s Stella Lane (below) is the final shortlisted nomination.

She is leaving the service after 20 years and Jeni Swan said the award would be a “fitting recognition”.

Watford Observer:

She said: “A spritely 79 years old she is calm, reliable, empathetic and consistent, she never lets her families down.

"She has always been extremely supportive of our scheme in many ways and attends all our events. Stella always has a smile on her face and a twinkle in her eye.”

Online voting is open now and will close on Friday, October 30.

The winner will be announced on Monday, November 2. For more information, click here.