The tireless dedication of community volunteers was celebrated on Friday evening at the eighth annual Watford Audentior awards ceremony.

Winners in nine categories were announced by Watford Borough Council at the newly refurbished Colosseum, in Rickmansworth Road.

Richard Parles, a member of the Watford Harriers athletics club for more than 30 years and organiser of the Watford half marathon, was awarded the prestigious Mayor’s award for his services to sport and recreation.

Two chairman’s awards were awarded to Norma Lewis and John Castle.

Mrs Lewis has been organising charitable activities at the Stanborough Seventh-day Adventist Church for nearly 20 years, including its weekly soup kitchen.

Mr Castle, a former president and chairman of the Watford Piscators, was recognised for the more than 50 years he has dedicated to promoting fishing in the town.

Sheila Meaning, one of the founders of the Watford New Hope Trust, received a special achievement award in recognition of the 25 years she has dedicated to helping homeless people.

Good neighbour awards were received by Dan Holden and Christine Blackett. Mr Holden, chairman of the of the Courtlands Residents Association, was recognised for the work he has put into establishing the Courtlands Community Fun Day and for his efforts to improve and maintain the Goodwood recreation ground.

Mrs Blackett, who has served with the Sherwoods Residents Association and the Tenant Action Group (TAG) was recognised for her many years of campaigning on behalf of social housing tenants.

The Audentior young person of the year award was presented to Lauren Shipperley, who, despite struggling to find a job since leaving university, has thrown herself into community and charity work - with the Watford African Caribbean Association (WACA) and the West Watford Community Association (WWCA).

The Prince of Bengal restaurant was presented with a charitable business award in recognition of its support of local sports clubs, including Cassiobury Football Club, West Herts Cricket Club and Watford Swimming Club. The restaurant was also praised for its support of other local charities, including the Peace Hospice.

The Charitable Group award, meanwhile, was awarded to the Watford Sheltered Workshop, which has promoted engineering training for people with learning disabilities for some 40 years.

A special achievement award was also handed to the Starlight Walk Committee – organisers of the hugely successful annual 13 mile walk in aid of the Peace Hospice.

Mayor Dorothy Thornhill said: “I always maintain that the Audentior awards showcase the best that our town has to offer.

“This evening is our way of saying thank you to our top volunteers in the town. People who give up hours of their time to make Watford an even better place to live.”