A taxi firm, a local theatre group and the chairman of a residents' association are among the charitable residents and community groups who have been recognised in this year's Audentior Awards.

This year's awards ceremony was held on Friday evening to again celebrate the outstanding work and enthusiasm shown by organisations and individuals in Watford.

Community worker Lincoln Beckford won the Mayor's Award for his work with schools and young people across the county.

Lincoln works mainly with excluded or “at risk” children, ranging from those who self-harm, to those having difficulties with the school curriculum and those with lack of self confidence and worth.

This year's volunteer of the year gong, awarded by chairman of Watford Borough Council Jan Brown went to Pat Walton.

For the past 47 years, Pat has organised an annual toy service, started by her father, where she has collected toys and distributed them to disadvantaged children in the borough.

Her bi-monthly sale of clothing, general household goods and books, affectionately known as “Pat’s Sale”, has been going for 25 years, raising money to fund community activities.

Among the other award winners were Peter Sweeting, the chairman of the Meriden Residents' Association who won Neighbour of the Year.

The Charitable Group Award was meanwhile shared between Watford Mosque and Pump House Children’s Theatre, while the One Watford Sustainable Business Award went to Berrygrove School.

The Lifetime Achievement Award was awarded to Margaret Elise Perfect, or Peggy Perfect, to those that know her, who has helped run the Watford Life Boys and Boys Brigade for the past 60 years. Marv Renshaw, a local musician and founder of Inspiral Arts, won the young person award, while Fox Taxis won the first ever award for disability access.

Dorothy Thornhill said she was “once again” astounded at the level of dedication of the many groups and individuals whose endeavours make a huge difference to the lives of people who live in Watford.

She said: “Everyone who was nominated for an award gives up their time and resources to help others and should take pride in the fact that their fellow residents have recognised this.”

Councillor Jan Brown added: “It was a wonderful evening and was lovely to be able to recognise some of the people who help to make our town the great place that it is.”

A raffle was also held at the start if the evening, raising £1,760 for the chairman’s charities – Berrygrove and Westfield Toy Libraries