COMMUNITY heroes including nurses, volunteers and police officers have received awards from the High Sheriff of Oxfordshire.

Fourteen people who have contributed to the community in an exceptional way were honoured at County Hall in Oxford.

This year’s awards focused on those who help young people or help make their communities safer.

Among the recipients was Maggie James, from Bicester, who has worked with local Brownie and Guide groups since 1965. She has also been a volunteer for Marie Curie Cancer Care for many years.

Retired civil servant Miss James, 64, has worked with generations of girls from the Bicester area. She said: “I just enjoy doing it –it’s something for the girls.”

Over the past four decades Miss James has taken part in international camps, parades as well as mentoring new guide leaders.

Next month she will retire from running groups, but will still be involved in Guiding.

Former nurse Ann Couldrick, 73, was recognised for her work supporting bereaved children in Oxfordshire.

She was one of the founders of the charity Seesaw, and still helps by training volunteers and supporting staff.

Ms Couldrick, from Didcot, said: “This is for Seesaw, to give them a boost and encourage people to raise as much money as we can to keep going.”

Another recipient was Pcso Laura Schmid, 20, from Abingdon, who was nominated by Marcham Neighbourhood Action Group for her work with children and elderly people in the community.

Marcham parish councillor Malcolm Denton told judges that Ms Schmid went above and beyond to serve villagers.

Ms Schmid said: “It’s lovely to get the award. It’s really good for Pcsos, to show how much we’re appreciated in the area.”

For Luke Drummond, 16, from Bladon, it was his second award in just three months.

Luke, a pupil at Woodstock’s Marlborough School, has been a St John Ambulance volunteer since he was nine and in January was named cadet of the year.

He was nominated for the High Sheriff’s award by his school’s assistant headteacher Pam Maynard.

He said: “I’m quite surprised and quite proud.”

Richard Dick, the High Sheriff of Oxfordshire, said: “A key focus of my year in office has been youth-related charities and I wanted to honour the fantastic work that goes on in our county.

“It was wonderful to read the nominations and hear the stories of these unsung citizens and I’m delighted to give them a moment in the spotlight in recognition of their exceptional work.”