THE annual North Weald Bassett Citizens of the Year Awards have recognised the work of passionate volunteers who have helped to benefit the community.
The award winners were nominated by the public and the awards were presented to them by parish councillors.
There were several categories and the winners of each received a certificate in recognition of their work.
The awards were handed out at Thornwood Village Hall on April 29.
Co-winner of the Junior Award and Overall Award, Lauren Elder, said: "I am really happy to have been recognised for the award.
"It is important to give something back to the community."
Lauren, 17, of North Weald, along with Rosie Mercer, 15, organised and ran several projects that helped the elderly residents at Wheelers Farm Gardens sheltered housing complex.
The two cadets from 414 Squadron Epping and North Weald Air Training Corps have been working to help the elderly for over a year.
This has involved everything from games nights with the residents to buying them Christmas presents with the funds raised.
Lauren's mother Lesley said: "I am enormously proud of my daughter.
"I'm very proud of what she has done. She is a very thoughtful and hardworking young lady."
The competition for the Individual Award was stiff, with four nominees, and it ended up with both Nick Dorras and Mick Sheen winning.
Mick Sheen was given the award for his outstanding work with the local Neighbourhood Watch (NW).
The 68-year-old, from Thornwood, has been involved with the NW for four years and is now chairman of the Epping Forest District NW.
He said: "We are always on the look out for more volunteers.
"What we do is help educate about crime and help the police fight it."
Nick Dorras was given the award for his work running North Weald Village Hall.
The other winners were: Group Award – North Weald Village Hall Committee Members and Individual Award Runner Up – George Jackson.
To get involved with your local Neighbourhood Watch, e-mail efdnwatch@hotmail.co.uk
