The annual awards, which were held on Thursday, April 23, at the South Buckinghamshire clubhouse in Stoke Poges, recognise the outstanding contribution local residents make to their communities.

Throughout the evening award winners were presented with crystal trophies and certificates for a variety of categories.

Andrew Strathdee, from Burnham, won the Community Champion Award which was presented by Yvette Hitch, Thames Valley Police.

He said: “It’s a recognition of not just me but all the people who work very hard to make the library work.

“Without those people the work wouldn’t be possible.” Tom and Margaret Rylance, from Burnham, a couple who have been providing weekly hot meals for those in need for many years, won The Good Friend Award.

Peter Cathcart, from Farnham Common, received the Chairman’s Special Award for his tireless work over many years.

Mr Cathcart has been a parish councillor for 24 years – eight as chairman and many more as vice-chairman.

The winner of the Young Sports Star was Jessica Phillips.

Jessica, who suffers with cerebal palsy, has been riding with South Bucks Riding for the Disabled for two and a half years, overcoming many obstacles in her young life already.

And Young Volunteer was won by the ‘effervescent’ Claudia Hill, who has been an active member of South Bucks Riding for Disabled for more than three years.

Mr Strathdee added: “There were very worthy winners of those awards and I feel very humble.”