North Weald Bassett Parish Council has announced the winners of its Citizen of the Year awards.

The councils award categories this year were ‘Going That Extra Mile’ with individual awards presented to people and local groups for their contributions to the local community.

The leading award was awarded to local road sweeping operative Stephon Brown, who was described by residents as 'very helpful and kind' and local postman Chester Stuart, who was recognised for being very helpful to the elderly and disabled in the village.

An individual award for voluntary services to the community was presented to Margaret Mulliner, who regularly helps at the monthly ploughman’s lunches, the North Weald branch of the Royal British Legion, North Weald Village Hall and the North Weald Bassett Preservation Society.

Elaine Davis, who lives in Thornwood Common, was presented an individual award after being branded as an active fundraiser for the community and also as a helper at the village hall, North Weald Airfield Museum and the village allotments.

The group award for protecting the environment was awarded to the North Weald Bassett Preservation Society and the award for providing a service within the community was presented to North Weald Library Knit Lit Group.

Epping Forest Guardian:

North Weald Bassett Preservation Society were awarded for protecting the environment.

North Weald Bassett Parish Council chairman councillor Cyril Hawkins, who presented the awards at the Annual Parish Assembly at Thornwood Village Hall on Monday, said: “The calibre of the nominations was very strong.

"The quality of the winners shows just what a community-minded place North Weald parish is.

“The awards allow the parish council to applaud the contributions that both individuals and local groups make to ensuring that North Weald, Hastingwood and Thornwood are truly great places to live.”