A mum-of-two from Watford who has helped more than 8,500 vulnerable and elderly people to keep warm in winter is to receive the prestigious British Citizen Award.

Lynne Misner, 54, from West Watford, started the Warm in Winter project after her boiler broke down during a particularly cold spell and she was left without hot water of heating.

She began contacting wholesalers to source blankets, socks, gloves and hats and also mugs and hot drinks, calling upon local businesses, councillors and friends to help her raise the £1,500 she needed to distribute the first 50 “warm in winter” gift bags.

She said: “I found out that older people are at risk from serious health problems if they are cold in their home and some simple preventative measures can really make a difference.

“Some older people could be difficult to engage with, not wanting to admit their hardship, but working in partnership has enabled us to change the lives of some of the loneliest and isolated older people in our community.

“I believe that we should never underestimate the positive impact that an act of kindness can make.”

In a ceremony at The Palace of Westminster on July 5, Lynne will be one of 29 people from around the country who will receive The British Citizen Award medal.

Patrons of the award include The Duchess of York, TV presenter Bradley Walsh and entrepreneur Hilary Devey (of BBC Dragon’s Den fame). The ceremony will be hosted by children’s TV presenter Michael Underwood.

Lynne, whose two children are grown up, has a background in marketing and PR and is former development manager at Watford Palace Theatre. Her award is in recognition of her services to the community over the last three years during which time her charitable social enterprise Small Acts of Kindness has worked with organizations including Hertfordshire Independent Living Service and Age UK Hertfordshire. The enterprise has now become a charity.

The British Citizen Awards (BCAs) were launched in January 2015, to recognise exceptional individuals who work tirelessly and selflessly to make a positive impact on society. Each person will receive a Medal of Honour, inscribed with the words ‘For the Good of the Country.’ Medalists are also invited to use the initials BCA after their name. #

The awards are sponsored by optician Specsavers, property company Places for People and IT and networking company Cisco.