A HEROIC cabbie, a Paralympic hopeful, and a police community support officer who used her skills to dramatically reduce anti-social behaviour were among those honoured at this year’s Civic Awards.

On an evening when fallen marine Georgie Sparks was in everybody’s thoughts as his family received a medal in a token of the district’s gratitude, some of Epping Forest’s lesser known heroes were also honoured.

Cab driver John Davis, 40, from Waltham Abbey, was given a Special Award for his ‘incredibly brave’ actions in rescuing a mother and her four young sons from the wreckage of a car crash on Epping New Road last July.

Presenting the award, district council chairman John Knapman said: “The family are immensely grateful to John and the other people who rescued them. The police described his actions as incredibly brave.”

Red Cross stalwart Kay Ericson, from Epping, was crowned Citizen of the Year for his 33 years providing first aid to the public, and training new volunteers.

King Harold School pupil and paralympic hopeful Lauren Smith was awarded the Sports Leisure Bursary, and the Young Citizen of the Year Award went to 19-year-old Darnell Margurite for helping to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour on the Limes Farm estate. Community Service Awards went to Debden community police officer Hayley Toye and Ongar Ambulance Station-based paramedic Brian Clark for saving lives since 1980.

In recognition of his outstanding work in the promotion and development of North Weald Airfield and International Relations with the Royal Norwegian Air Force, Arthur Moreton received a special Certificate of Appreciation.

In the Epping Forest District Council (EFDC) staff category, Simon Hill won the Improving Services for the Community gong for developing the webcast service, the Careline Team picked up the Dealing with the Public award for its 24/7 support for elderly and vulnerable residents and the Innovation award went to the Youth Council Strategy Team.