A fire safety volunteer manager has narrowly missed out on being named “Public Servant of the Year” at a prestigious award ceremony.

Roy Aldwin, from Kings Langley, was one of five people across the UK shortlisted for the title which is sponsored by a national newspaper.

Despite missing out on the title, representatives from Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service said they are still proud of him.

Roy Wilsher, Hertfordshire’s chief fire officer, said: “The whole fire service was thrilled that Roy was shortlisted. Our fire safety community volunteers do an incredible job providing invaluable support to our crews and Roy’s energy and drive keeps the volunteers enthusiastic.”

The winners were announced at an awards ceremony on Tuesday, November 22.

Mr Aldwin, a father-of-two, said: “I’ve been very lucky during my career in public service - first working for Hertfordshire police and now working for Hertfordshire County Council. It’s a real privilege to work in the fire service and to get this acknowledgement.”

The 47-year-old started work for Hertfordshire Constabulary as a special constable at 19 and became its crime reduction manager in 2000.

He has been on secondment to Herts Fire and Rescue since 2007, looking after the fire safety community volunteer scheme.

The initiative was set up in 2008 and currently has 100 volunteers working across Hertfordshire.

The volunteers support firefighters with community safety engagement work and give out fire safety advice to make as many people as possible safe from fire related injuries.

Mr Aldwin said: "I love working with the volunteers, they all show great commitment to their communities and they really are helping cut the number of preventable deaths and injuries."

Away from the fire service, Mr Aldwin gives his time as a school governor at Bedmond Village Primary School, Abbots Langley and works part-time at a community safety project in Hemel Hempstead. He is also crime manager at social enterprise Dacorum Business Against Crime.

Hertfordshire County Councillor Richard Thake, Conservative representative, said: "Roy may have narrowly missed out on the win, but it is still a real honour to make the shortlist for this gold standard award and we are proud of him.”