This year’s ceremony, held at the Sutton Life Centre gave out five awards in the following categories:

• Given outstanding service to the borough by keeping Sutton safe
• Made a difference to people’s lives by going the extra mile
• Brought the community together through community events, clubs of projects
• Increased prosperity, employment or access to the borough through business initiatives
• Brought credit to the borough through outstanding achievement

Florence Adams received the Given Outstanding Service to the Borough by Keeping Sutton Safe award to honour her 48 years as a school crossing patrol officer (lollipop lady).

Florence Adams said: ‘I’m proud and very pleased to receive this award. I love doing my job. For me the children are my first priority – I love them all.  I love seeing them grow up and I will keep doing this job for as long as I can.’

Ray and Vi Donovan picked up the Made a difference to people’s lives by going the extra mile award. The couple whose son Chris was murdered in 2001 campaign about restorative justice – at prisons, youth centres and schools – to empower victims and rehabilitate offenders.

Ray Donovan said: ‘It’s the young people and the people in prison whose lives have been changed that should win this award. We have seen so many lives changed. All we do is tell them our story.’

Vi Donovan said: ‘We’re over the moon to win this award. We never imagined we could make such a difference. I really love Sutton. I love living here. Thank you for supporting us, it really means a lot.’

Gwen Turner was recognised for her efforts to provide social outlets for senior citizens on the Benhill Estate by running an over 55s social club. Along with Paul and Pauline Nathan, Gwen received the Brought the community together through community events, clubs of projects award. Paul and Paulinewere commended for the work they do for Benhill Residents’ Association organising events and bring the community together.

Gwen Turner said: ‘Thank you for this most unexpected award. We do this for the older people around the borough and this is a lovely surprise.’

Paul Nathan said: ‘We have many other committee members who also deserve this award. Thank you. We do what we do because we want to bring people together. Thank you also to the organisations who work with us, including the Salvation Army and Sutton Housing Partnership.’

Run by Monica Tyler, The Vine Project received the Increased prosperity, employment or access to the borough through business initiatives award. The social enterprise finds new homes for unwanted furniture and appliances. It also supports local communities and families in need and provides training and employment opportunities for local people to help them get back into work.

Monica Tyler said: ‘This award it fabulous. It’s a real achievement for everyone at The Vine Project. We have trained around 400 people who were unemployed or have learning difficulties. This award is for them. It’s a real pleasure to live in Sutton. I moved here and I love it so much.’

The winner in the final category, Brought credit to the borough through outstanding achievement, was the Gary Mason Drummers. The charity responded to the Mayor of Sutton’s request to represent the borough at the annual New Year’s Day Parade. They battled through the wind and rain and received a special award of £2000 which is being donated to the Mayor’s charity.

Christine Lindsay, Chair of The Gary Mason Drummers, said: ‘Gary Mason died just over three years ago and everything we do is for him. Going on the float to London was great and getting the award of £2k for the Mayor’s charity was a fantastic achievement. Please come and try drumming with us – it’s great fun and very therapeutic.

‘Receiving this award is fabulous and unexpected. We really enjoy what we do a lot and its all for Gary, and this award is for Gary – he loved Sutton.’