Two community stalwarts have been honoured with prestigious Rotary fellowships.

The recipients of Paul Harris Fellowships, named after the founder of the international service organisation, who received the award from Stevenage Rotary Club president Chris Tye are Ian Shepherd and Alan Fuller.

Ian, from Letchworth, is the son of a founder member of the club who also received the award. He was singled out for his years of work with Ridgemond Training in the town, and with the Stevenage branch of Riding For The Disabled.

Alan, group head of international communications at MBDA Missile Systems in Stevenage, was hailed as an ‘unacknowledged hero’ for his work building links between big businesses in the town and the wider community, and encouraging young engineers to spend time with pupils in town secondary schools.