The chief executive of Austin’s Funeral Services was bestowed Rotary’s highest honour on Friday in recognition of her charitable achievements in the community.

The Comet: Remember this? Claire Austin had her hair shaved off last year to raise funds for the Stevenage Community Trust. Picture: Karyn HaddonRemember this? Claire Austin had her hair shaved off last year to raise funds for the Stevenage Community Trust. Picture: Karyn Haddon (Image: Archant)

Claire Austin was awarded a Paul Harris Fellowship by the Rotary Club of Stevenage during a tea party to mark Rotary Day, hosted by club president Alex Lang.

The fellowship was to recognise her fundraising efforts on behalf of the Stevenage Community Trust, which included shaving all her hair off.

The Comet: Claire Austin sporting her new look after the charity head shave. Picture: Karyn HaddonClaire Austin sporting her new look after the charity head shave. Picture: Karyn Haddon (Image: Archant)

A whole host of charities were presented with cheques to honour their work in the community, including Mercy Ships, Just Be A Child, Garden House Hospice Care, The Red Shed, Red Cross Hertfordshire, and the Stevenage Community Trust.