The winner of the Special Posthumous Award was Dr Shaila Srinivasan, who was nominated by the Lord Lieutenant of Oxfordshire, Tim Stevenson for her tireless work on behalf of the Oxfordshire Ethnic Minority Business Service.

Dr Srinivasan died from pancreatic cancer last April, aged 59. Her son Rahul Suresh, 33, accepted the award on her behalf.

He said: “It was a very sad occasion, coming as it did almost a year since my mother passed away, but I know she would have been thrilled with this award. She loved Oxfordshire dearly and it was lovely to see her receive this recognition.”

High Sheriff Penelope Glen said: “I have been overwhelmed by the volume and quality of nominations that were submitted for this year’s awards. My only regret is that not everyone can be a winner. It is extremely heart- warming to learn that there are so many good people in Oxfordshire who so selflessly support their communities in the county.”