Selfless people and hard-working groups working to make Redbridge a safer borough have been honoured by a ceremony at the town hall.

The Redbridge Safer Communities Awards were presented to eight different individuals by Redbridge mayor Cllr Jim O’Shea at the full council meeting in High Road, Ilford, on Thursday night.

The six categories of award include an Extra Commitment award and a Young Safer Communities award.

It is the third year of the recognition scheme, organised by the police and voluntary groups.

Cllr Shoaib Patel, cabinet member for community safety, said: “The Safer Communities Awards are about honouring the people who are working quietly in the background, playing an important part in making Redbridge a safer place to live.

“They are for the community champions who, through residents’ associations, neighbourhood watches, and community groups are making this Borough better every day. They work tirelessly in their local areas, helping their neighbours and improving life for us all.”

“This year the partnership had some exceptionally strong nominations and we had to think long and hard about our decisions. We are happy to reward the very worthy winners today.”

Among the eight winners was Jan Scott, area manager for Victim Support, who last week opened an area office for north east London in Southend Road, Woodford Green.

Mrs Scott said: “I was absolutely delighted for the recognition from this award, and it is an award for the victims and witnesses of crime it Redbridge.

Sue Williams, Police Borough Commander and Chairman of the Redbridge Safer Communities Partnership, said, “On behalf of the partnership I would like to thank all the winners and nominees for this year’s awards.

“These people deserve a huge amount of recognition for their incredible work in the community that continues to make the borough a safer place to live.”