Unsung Lambeth heroes have been honoured for their selfless work in the community.

The annual Lambeth Council civic awards saw a group of outstanding residents honoured at the town hall on Wednesday.

The winners were presented with their awards by Lambeth mayor, Councillor Christopher Wellbelove, who chaired the judging panel.

He said: "Every day in Lambeth, people who care about their fellow residents and neighbourhoods make a positive contribution to the lives of others.

“Our civic award ceremony gives the opportunity to recognise and reward these people who help others and really make a difference in their community.”

The top award was given to William and Irene Kirby, who raised thousands of pounds for the south east London branch of the Muscular Dystrophy Society, and supported a host of organisations in Lambeth including St Paul’s Church and the Herne Hill Society.

A number of Streatham residents were also honoured.

Roger Bowdery, 66

Mr Bowdery was honoured for his commitment to education in the borough and his fantastic work to promote Streatham's Armistice Day service.

He has served as a school governor for a number of schools in Lambeth since 1977. The Babbington Road resident was elected vice chair of governors, then chair of governors for Dunraven School from 1990 to 1995 contributing to its success and popularity. He is also the longest serving member of Lambeth Independent Educational Appeals Panel.

Mr Bowdery has done great work promoting the Armistice Day service of remembrance among different faith groups, expanding its attendance in Streatham from a few dozen to more than 300 attendees.

Mr Bowdery, who is also a trustee of Streatham's Darby and Joan club, said: "It’s a wonderful honour, I'm very grateful to have received it."

Sheila Regent, 69

Mrs Regent has tirelessly fundraised for Streatham Cats Rescue Service for more than 15 years and has been a school governor at Hitherfield Primary School for eight years. She has supported the school council assisting the children’s sense of democracy and their right to voice their concerns and ideas. She can be seen every Saturday outside the Iceland supermarket in Streatham High Road, collecting for the animal rescue charity.

She said: "I was very surprised to get the award. I just do what I do because I love animals and children."

Eddie Sanders, 72

Mr Sanders has been an active member of the community and has been the organiser of the youth club for St Bartholomew’s RC Church in Ellison Road, Streatham, for more than 30 years. Eddie was also a leader of the campaign which persuaded the Primary Care Trust to open the new Streatham Vale doctors’ surgery. He said while he was honoured to receive the award, the volunteering he had done had been a real pleasure.

He added: "You don't do something like that for so long without really enjoying it."