Unsung heroes from across the borough were celebrated at this year's mayor's community awards.

The top honour went to 82-year-old granddad John Cooper, from Meadvale, who has dedicated much of his retired life to helping others.

Mr Cooper received the outstanding contribution to voluntary service in the local community award at a special ceremony at Reigate's town hall earlier this month.

He said: "I felt very proud and honoured to think I had got the top one, but I would like to emphasise whatever I have done it has been a team effort. I could not have done it without the help of others."

He was nominated by Meadvale Friendship Club, which he formed 17 years ago and which is still going strong. He started the club on his retirement from scouting, aged 65, having spent 21 years with Meadvale Scout Group. He is also a member of the Meadvale Hall Committee and looks after the running of the hall.

Mr Cooper said: "I moved out of London in the 50s and came to live in Meadvale when it was a very thriving village. I felt I would like to put something back into the community for the times that I have enjoyed."

It is not the first award Mr Cooper has received. In 1959 he was given the Royal Humane Society award for saving the life of a girl in Lancing, West Sussex.

He said: "I was sitting on the beach and saw a girl drifting out on a dingy. Suddenly she lost it and no one seemed to notice, and I thought I better do something about it."

John brought the unconscious girl to the shore and a policeman resuscitated her.

The mayor's awards scheme was set up to recognise the contribution made by individual volunteers who live or work in Reigate and Banstead.

Mayor councillor Frances Dixon said: "One person giving a few hours of their time every week can make a tremendous difference.

"We are surrounded by people like these, often without knowing it ordinary people who live in our communities and provide the glue that binds us together.

"Their actions provide examples that we can all learn from."

Also given out on the night was a posthumous award to Jan Phipps, of South Nutfield, for her services to guiding over 28 years. Jan died just before Christmas and her husband Keith accepted the award on her behalf.

Other awards winners included: l Jon Seale, 23, from Horley, who volunteers at Furnistore in Garlands Road, Redhill.

l Pat Lewis, of Salfords, a volunteer for Reigate and Redhill Live at Home Scheme since 1996.

l Ethel Bristow, aged 98, from Horsham, who has been actively involved with the Reigate and Redhill branch of Action Research for more than 35 years.

l Paul Davis, from Reigate, a volunteer gardener at WelCare House, Warwick Road, Redhill.

l Grace Smith, nominated for 45 years of volunteering for the Redhill branch of the British Red Cross.