Community organisations from across North Herts have been saluted by the High Sheriff of Hertfordshire during his annual awards.

The Comet: High Sheriff Stelio Stefanou presents the Stand By Me project with their commendation. Photo: CPG PhotographyHigh Sheriff Stelio Stefanou presents the Stand By Me project with their commendation. Photo: CPG Photography (Image: CPG Photography Ltd)

There was recognition for the Stevenage Crucial Crew – an initiative teaching safety messages to youngsters in schools – which was highly commended as an education partnership during the ceremony at County Hall at Hertford.

The Crucial Crew scheme involves Herts police, the fire and rescue service, UK Power Networks, Great Northern railways, Herts County Council’s Road Safety team, Herts and Essex Samaritans, Lee Valley Park and primary schools in Stevenage and North Herts.

Stand By Me bereavement support, an independent Stevenage and Hitchin-based charity that works with Garden House Hospice Care and NHS step two Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services, was highly commended as an education partnership.

The High Sheriff said: “During my year as High Sheriff, I have met many inspiring individuals and teams who are doing vital work to make Hertfordshire a county of opportunity for all.

The Comet: Bal Singh, Jack Goodwin and Nav Singh of the Khalsa Futsal Academy in Letchworth receiving their National Crimebeat Award from Stelio Stefanou, High Sheriff of Hertfordshire. Photo: Courtesy of Bal SinghBal Singh, Jack Goodwin and Nav Singh of the Khalsa Futsal Academy in Letchworth receiving their National Crimebeat Award from Stelio Stefanou, High Sheriff of Hertfordshire. Photo: Courtesy of Bal Singh (Image: Archant)

“Partnership working is making a difference in Hertfordshire, especially to address complex issues such as domestic abuse and social isolation. It is a pleasure to celebrate partnership working through this year’s High Sheriff’s Awards.”

The High Sheriff also presented Bal Singh, Jack Goodwin and Nav Singh from Letchworth’s Khalsa Futsal Academy with a National Crimebeat Award for its contribution to helping reduce crime and creating a safer community.

Bal said afterwards: “On behalf of KFA we are honoured to receive a National Crimebeat Award. It is especially gratifying as KFA volunteers dedicate endless hours of voluntary time facilitating bespoke Futsal initiatives to create a safer community.

“KFA volunteers not only give up their time to organise Futsal projects – the team has also been providing initiatives to help reduce crime for the past three decades.

“This award is an excellent way to start the build-up to the organisation’s 30-year anniversary in 2018.”

Each body saluted gets a sum through the High Sheriff’s Fund, run by Hertfordshire Community Foundation.

For more see hertfordshirecrucialcrew.org.uk, stand-by-me.org.uk, thekfa.com and hertscf.org.uk.