Unsung heroes have been celebrated at the Audentior Awards last week.

The event, which took place at Watford Colosseum, recognised people in the area for their dedication in making the town a better place to live and work in.

The winners, who have all gone the extra mile to help friends, family or people around them, were announced during a celebratory dinner.

Elected Mayor of Watford Peter Taylor said: “One of things that always strikes me is the number of people in our town who go above and beyond to do their bit for the community.

“This evening was our way of saying thanks to those unsung heroes in the town and the many hours of their time to Watford.”

Electric Umbrella founders Mel Boda and Tom Billington won the award for Charity Workers of the year at the event.

The charity, which was founded five years ago, offers adults with learning disabilities to perform on stage alongside professional musicians.

Mel Boda, 35, from Kings Langley, said: “Through our work, people are starting to take notice of the important messages of Electric Umbrella, and we can challenge the perceptions of around 20,000 people a year via the reach we have though our live music performances and workshops.

“Juggling a young family and running a charity can be tricky at times, but I feel so excited that the impact of what we are doing is being felt so widely, and that so many people and organisations what to be a part of the Electric Umbrella story.”

The Mayor’s award went to personal trainer Sam Torabi for positively influencing the health, wellbeing and confidence for hundreds of people in Watford.

Receiving the award, Mr Torabi said: “The Awards ceremony was an unforgettable evening. It feels amazing to be recognised and awarded simply for doing what I love. I’d like to thank everyone who believed in me, nominated and voted for me.

“Well done to all of the other winners too – there were so many inspiring stories about people putting the community first.”

The full list of winners are:

• Carer of the Year – John Cunnane

• Charity Worker of the Year – Tom Billington & Mel Boda

• Public Service Award - Peter Gilbert

• Pride in Watford Award – The Random Café

• Young Achiever of the Year Award - Lee Keogh

• Contribution to Sport & Healthy Living Award - Julia Ann Riegal

• Chairman’s Culture Award - Herts Inclusive Theatre