A HERO cabbie and a soldier who gave his life in defence of his country were among those honoured at this year's Civic Awards.

Cab driver John Davis, 40, from Waltham Abbey, was given a Special Award for his "incredibly brave" actions in rescuing a mother and her four young sons from the wreckage of a car crash on Epping New Road last July.

The family of Royal Marine Georgie Sparks - a 19-year-old from Theydon Mount who was killed in battle in Afghanistan in November 2008 - accepted a medal as a token of the district's gratitude from council chairman John Knapman at Friday's gala event.

Red Cross stalwart Kay Ericson, from Epping, was crowned Citizen of the Year for 33 years of providing first aid to the public and training new volunteers.

King Harold School pupil and Paralympic hopeful Lauren Smith was awarded the Sports Leisure Bursary, and the Young Citizen of the Year Award went to 19-year-old Darnell Margurite for helping to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour on the Limes Farm estate.

Community Service Awards went to Debden community police officer Hayley Toye, and Ongar Ambulance Station-based paramedic Brian Clark for "saving lives since 1980."

In recognition of his "outstanding work in the promotion and development of North Weald Airfield and International Relations with the Royal Norwegian Air Force", Arthur Moreton received a special Certificate of Appreciation.

In the Epping Forest District Council (EFDC) staff category, Simon Hill won the Improving Services for the Community gong for developing the webcast service, the Careline Team picked up the Dealing with the Public award for its 24/7 support for elderly and vulnerable residents, and the Innovation award went to the Youth Council Strategy Team.