Volunteers and community workers came together for a wonderful night of celebration to recognise all the good they do for people in their area.

The annual ‘Harrow’s Heroes Awards’ – now in its tenth year – champions the “amazing things” carried out by “ordinary people” in the borough.

Conducted by Harrow Council, a number of esteemed guests and sponsors attended the event, held at the Kadwa Patidar Centre in Kenmore Avenue.

Ten awards were handed out across various categories, but it was clear that this was a commemoration of the achievements of everyone who helps make Harrow what it is.

In her address, Cllr Sue Anderson, responsible for culture and community at Harrow Council, explained how they are vital in making it a “special” place.

“[This] is a decade of giving recognition to and celebrating the contribution of volunteers and members of the community,” she said.

“Your contributions have helped change lives and improve local communities – making life that bit better for our residents and helping us build a better Harrow.”

The event was hosted by Terry Frisch, a “Harrow lad” through and through who studied at Salvatorian College and has worked as an actor for the past 27 years.

He paid tribute to his hometown and noted how, since he has decided to live there throughout his life, it “can’t be all bad”.

This was certainly proven, as the fantastic work of dozens of people was brought to the attention of the audience.

Sachin Shah, leader of Harrow Council, noted how, going round the various tables, he couldn’t get over the amount of time and effort spent by those in attendance.

He presented the night’s opening award to the Housebound Library Service in the ‘Supporting Vulnerable People’ category.

Members of the service, which provides materials to those who cannot reach a library, said: “This has come as a bit of a shock. It’s extra special as this is 50 years since the housebound library was set up.

“We’re honoured to receive the award but there are so many others in the field who are just as deserving, so well done to everyone.”

John Towell received the ‘Lifetime Achievement’ award for his tireless work at an adult social club in Hatch End over the past 30 years.

Mike Lepps, who organises the Harrow Parkrun, was honoured with the ‘Health and Wellbeing’ prize, having recently expanded to a second course at Canons Park to go alongside the original route at Kenton Recreation Ground.

“This really proves the spirit of community and there’s now no excuse to not come and join us after falling out of bed on a Saturday morning,” he said.

Sadia Binte Rahman was named ‘Outstanding Young Person’ for her efforts in advancing Bengali culture in Harrow and on the international stage.

The award for ‘Bringing People Together’ was given to Ken Woods, who runs the Grange Farm Steering Group.

His certificate was picked up by his friend, Bill Beardon, who became visibly emotional up on stage.

Bill said: “He works tirelessly for us and has pulled the whole community together. He suffers from cancer and I really wish he could have been here tonight because he means everything to us.”

IT expert Gerry Bloomfield, who runs computer workshops for people, was given the ‘Improving Lives’ prize while Joan Telfer was recognised for her commitment to beekeeping in Harrow with the ‘Clean, Safe and Green Communities’ Award.

Danuta Loveday, who works with Joan and collected the award, noted how she has taught “generation after generation” the skills and knowledge required to keep bees.

Representatives of the League of Jewish Women, which runs the ‘Way Ahead’ programme, providing women who have lost their hair through chemotherapy with access to alternative headwear, expressed their shock at scooping the ‘Team Award’.

Rosalind Tobe explained: “We never expected this as there are so many others who carry out excellent work.

“Losing your hair can be a big deal, especially for women, so hopefully what we do helps them.”

Jo Saunders was honoured with the ‘Outstanding Achievement’ award for her commitment to revamping Headstone Manor and she encouraged people to come and check it out.

The final award of ‘Judges’ Volunteer of the Year’ was given to Charles Newman from the Harrow Association of Disabled People.

He has raised more than £1,000 for his association through a number of fundraising events and was overwhelmed at the recognition.

Inviting his friends and family onstage, he praised all those who had helped him and gave thanks to those who had nominated him.

An evening on deserved celebration was complemented by entertainment from the Xcite Community Choir, who provided a rendition of ‘Three Little Birds’, and a number of routines from the Murchu Duiginn School of Irish Dancing, based in Kenton.