Lambeth honours its extraordinary citizens

John Roberts, the police link member for Lambeth, has received the Lord Scarman civic award as part of the 2008 Lambeth Civic Awards. Lambeth Mayor, Councillor Andrew Gibson, presented the awards at a special ceremony.

The Scarman award is given for developing and increasing equality and inclusion in the borough.

John's recognition marks his contribution to effective policing in Lambeth as well as his work on the Stephen Lawrence Inquiry. He also helped to set up the Gay Business Forum and was involved in formulating Lambeth's hate crime strategy.

As always the Civic Awards honoured ordinary people who have made an extraordinary contribution to the lives of others the length and breadth of the borough.

Barbara Glosby was honoured for her work and dedication to improving the lives of older and disadvantaged people in Lambeth. Lloyd Leon, who has worked voluntarily in the community in Lambeth for more than 30 years, was also honoured. Martin Blount has been the Fire Brigade Borough Commander for Lambeth since the borough command structure was established in 2001 and was honoured for his service to the community.

Claudette Hewitt was given the North Lambeth Civic Award for her many years of dedicated hard work on behalf of the Lambeth community.

There were three recipients of Clapham and Stockwell Civic Awards. Ronald Laidley was honoured for his work to improve and bring about safety measures to the Fenwick Estate. Claire Rennie's award was for her continued commitment to the Weir Link Project and Babatunde Williams was recognised for his work to get free Internet access to the Lambeth community and to resurrect the Mawbey Brough Tenants and Residents Association.

In the Brixton Civic Awards category, Philip Cremin was honoured for his work and dedication in helping the Lambeth community for more than 27 years; Nicholas Helleur for his dedication to the role of chair of the Neilson Terry Court Tenants and Residents Association and Saad Qureshi for his efforts on behalf of young people in the community.

Joyce Gill was a recipient of a Norwood Civic Award for her years of dedication in raising funds for the Royal National Lifeboat Institute and as an active member of Christchurch, Gipsy Hill. Susan Stevenson received a Norwood Civic Award for her role in developing links between the Leader of Lambeth Council and Leaders of faith communities to bring about peace and harmony in Lambeth.

Streatham Civic Awards Michael Morfey was honoured for his commitment and dedication to improving the lives of Streatham residents and his continued hard work to various local organisations; Beverley Morrison for her tireless enthusiasm and commitment to improving the Palace Road Estate and Graham Nicholls for his commitment and determination to ensuring improved conditions for Lambeth tenants.