The work of some of the community's most caring and inspiring volunteers were celebrated at an awards ceremony.

Croydon Council introduced the borough's first Community Civic Awards in recognition of the borough's unsung heroes who give their time freely.

There were ten categories and each winner was presented with a glass trophy, at the ceremony held at the Hilton Croydon Hotel. Runners up received certificates.

Individual winners included Liam Campbell who despite ill health runs scout groups in his spare time. He was presented with the Personal Achievement Award.

Paul Weston was crowned Volunteer of the Year in recognition of the decades he has dedicated to sports coaching and the Fundraiser of the Year award was given to Evelyn Findlater who developed the Community Food Learning Centre in New Addington.

Croydon Xpress Project were also among winners and were given the Young Volunteer Award, and Liz Reeves was awarded the Civic Life Award posthumously to honour her work on the Shrublands Estate.

Councillor Vidhi Mohan, cabinet member for communities and economic development, said: "It was a wonderful night with a real sense of community and so warming to see Croydon's brightest and best being rewarded for their hard work so willingly given.

"More people volunteer in Croydon than anywhere else in London and without their tireless and dedicated support the borough would lose something vital."

A complete list of winners and finalists can be found at croydon.gov.uk/civicawards.