The mother of a 21-year-old man who was killed in an unprovoked attack has been recognised for her campaigning and efforts to make communities safer.

Tracey Hanson's son Josh died after he was attacked in a bar in Hillingdon in October 2015.

Since her son's death, Tracey has launched the Josh Hanson Trust works to support and encourage self-expression and creativity among children and young people.

She also works with Hertsmere Borough council’s community safety team to deliver workshops on knife crime at local schools.

This year, Tracey, alongside seven other individuals and organisations, was honoured in person for her efforts and service to the community.

Councillor Alan Plancey, who was Hertsmere mayor at the time of the ceremony in May, presented Tracey with the Dave Rankin award inside the council's chamber in Borehamwood.

Borehamwood Times:

Tracey Hanson receives her Civic Award from Cllr Alan Plancey

Other unsung heroes were also recognised, including Stephen Pearson, a volunteer and boxing coach at Brookside Boys Club in Borehamwood, and Simon Pyzer, district secretary for Hertsmere scouting.

Borehamwood Times:

Stephen Pearson

Lynette Sullivan, chairman and founder member of the Christmas in Potters Bar group also received a civic award alongside Nicky Beaton, a Shenley parish councillor who spearheaded the Shenley Neighbourhood Plan.

Borehamwood Times:

(l-r) Simon Pyzer, Nicky Beaton, and Lynette Sullivan

An award was also presented to Visakha dasi, President of the Krishna Temple at Bhaktivedanta Manor in Letchmore Heath, on behalf of former president Sruti Dharma das, who passed away before he could receive the award.

Camp Unity, a Borehamwood-based organisation that provides opportunities for children and their families to meet people from other cultures and communities, also received an award, while Hertsmere Volunteer Police Cadets was presented with a youth award for its work helping youngsters learn and develop interests in policing and other community activities.

Borehamwood Times:

Father Dominc McKenna on behalf of Camp Unity and Sruti Dharma das 

The awards were meant to be handed out at a ceremony at Elstree Studios last year but the event was cancelled due to the pandemic.

Cllr Rabbi Alan Plancey said: "I’ve been so looking forward to announcing these deserving civic award winners. It was a privilege to end my mayoral term on this high point.

"After the year we have had, the commitment and determination to help improve their communities shown by this remarkable set of people is even more moving and inspiring than ever.

"They have done so much to benefit others in Hertsmere and it was wonderful to have the opportunity to thank them, in person, for their efforts."

Nominations for the awards were invited in January 2020 and the winners were selected by a panel of judges.