A couple who reach out to underprivileged families at their Letchworth church have been nominated in the Service to the Community category for this year’s Comet Community Awards.

Frank and Remi Williams, who are pastor and church administrator respectively at the RCCG Fragrance of Life Connections Church, make it their mission to help those less fortunate than themselves by providing Christmas hampers and running a group for children in the summer.

The charitable pair buy the boxes and supplies themselves, and present families with beautifully presented hampers during the festive period.

The week-long summer group, which is held in August during what would normally be school hours, gives children the chance to meet new people and learn activities together.

Remi, 51, said: “Our motivation is helping our neighbours.

“We do what we can to reduce poverty by reaching out to the community.

“We have seen the rewards of giving out hampers because the families have told us how grateful they are.

“The children at our summer schools really enjoy it, but we are also trying to help older people in the community by spending some time with them.”

Amelia Otto nominated the couple ahead of the awards ceremony at Stevenage’s The Forum Conferencing Banqueting Suite in May after being inspired when attending a church service led by 52-year-old Frank.

She said: “I had the pleasure of attending a wonderful and fun service for underprivileged families.

“Throughout the entire service, which was supported by various other church members, everyone was encouraged to get involved and to see the children taking part was a joy.

“I could tell that this was something that the couple were thoroughly passionate about and they were so warm and welcoming that I wanted to stay as long as possible!”

Peter Brooker from category sponsors PayPoint said: “We sponsor the Comet Community Awards because many of us live locally and it’s important to support the community in which we live and work.

“The Service to the Community category reflects a key feature of the PayPoint retail network – the central role that our retailers play in their communities and the value of our services to those communities.

“There are some truly remarkable people in our local community who work tirelessly with no thought of anything in return other than the satisfaction of helping others. PayPoint is delighted to support this really worthwhile event to recognise our true local heroes.”