A former council leader, who was awarded an MBE for more than 50 years of volunteering, has been appointed as chairman of trustees at a new organisations,

Stuart Nagler will lead trustees of Communities 1st, bringing the merger between Community Hertsmere and Community Central St Albans closer together.

Mr Nagler has been a trustee at Community Hertsmere for five years and he will bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise providing services for members and communities.

The ex-Hertsmere borough councillor said: "I am looking forward to leading the highly talented Communities 1st board into a new era, and to helping the newly combined charity to deliver on its commitment to members and the local communities of Hertsmere and St Albans.

“Our success, first and foremost, is about people-helping-people, building great communities, charities, partnerships and places to work and live.”

Stephen Craker, chief executive, Communities 1st, added: “We’re extremely pleased that Stuart has accepted the role of chairman as he brings an important set of skills and experience at this key time.”

Mr Nagler is the assistant police & crime Commissioner for Hertfordshire, deputy-lieutenant and chairman of the Radlett Archives Group, vice-chairman for Hertfordshire Domestic Abuse Helpline and chairman of Red House Patients Group.

He is a former Mayor and council Leader of Hertsmere and has served as a magistrate for 30 years.