The town’s “magnificent” individuals and groups were honoured at the council’s annual Audentior Awards for their hard work and dedication to the different communities in Watford.

Elected Mayor of Watford Dorothy Thornhill and council chairman Jagtar Singh Dhindsa congratulated the unsung heroes for their “excellent achievements” at a ceremony at Watford Colosseum, in Rickmansworth Road, on Friday evening.

Actar Dinata won The Mayor’s Award for making Watford a “better place to be” due to her voluntary work and was dubbed “an extraordinary woman of Watford”.

Ranjit Kaur Ahluwalia won the Chairman’s Award for Volunteer of the Year for giving up her time for the benefit of the community.

Helen Nicell was the runner up for the Mayor's Award for her role with Watford Writers and the Arts Forum. 

Ruth Connolly, the chairman of Woodcraft Folk group, was also a runner up for the Chairman’s Award.

Watford Polish School was the Mayor’s top charitable group and MK Ginder and Sons took the crown for the Business Group Awards.

The Lewington Price Disability Award went to Mark Collins and The Everett Rovers and Thomas Lish was recognised in the Mayor’s Sporting Achievement individual category for his accomplishments in judo.

Watford Cycle Hub won the Mayor’s Sporting Achievement Group award and Watford Women’s Centre took the Special Achievement award for making an “exceptional contribution” to the wellbeing of the town.

Mohammed Younis was the runner up in the Special Mention category.

Each winner and runner up was introduced by a short film featuring pupils at Central Primary School in Watford, which was produced by Steve Martin and Ian Port of Think About It Films.

Guests were also treated to a three course dinner and a performance by Nileeka’s Bollywood Company Ltd before the winners were announced.

The awards were supported and sponsored by businesses around Watford, including Watford Football Club, Warner Bros. Studio Leavesden, intu Watford, HQ Theatres, Veolia, Everyone Active, Watford FC Community Sports and Education Trust, as well as The Watford Observer.

The ceremony was also Mayor Thornhill’s last before she steps down from her role next May and she was presented with a bouquet of flowers and received a special mention at the end of the evening.

She said: “It’s important that people are recognised for their outstanding contribution to the town.

"They should be proud to have won, and be proud of Watford.”