They were put forward for the award by proud co-workers and family members after a call-out for nominations from Adur & Worthing Councils in the summer. The Community Hero Award was created by the Councils as a unique way to honour the Platinum Jubilee.

Two of the winners, Claire and Khristina, were personally thanked by the borough’s first citizen, Cllr Henna Chowdhury, at the Mayor’s Parlour in Worthing Town Hall.

Outside of her full-time work, Claire volunteers with the Councils’ Street Outreach team to help support some of the most vulnerable members of the community. She also volunteers with Worthing Soup Kitchen to help feed the homeless.

Claire was described as an “unsung hero of the community” by Carl Sutherland of the Council’s Street Outreach team, who said he was amazed that despite her personal struggles in life with illness, she was always on hand to help care and raise valuable funds for the homeless members of our community.

Khristina also works tirelessly to support the homeless in Worthing, whether it's cooking up breakfasts or hot evening meals, delivering food parcels, sourcing that important extra warm coat or much needed sleeping bag.

One of the key faces behind Worthing Soup Kitchen’s success and development, Khristina works hard to generate funds for the registered charity and provide more and more support for both the homeless and those less fortunate. She was described as “a true guardian Angel for many” by her nominator, Karyn Picker.

Cllr Chowdhury invited the pair and their nominators for tea and cake and presented them each with a special jubilee pin, a royal mint Platinum Jubilee commemorative coin and an official certificate of thanks from the Borough.

The town’s other Community Hero Award winner, Jeffrey Garrard, was invited to join the celebrations in the Mayor’s Parlour, but sadly couldn't make it on the day. He instead received a special visit from the mayor at his home in Durrington to present his award.

Jeffrey has been recognised for raising valuable funds for The British Red Cross. As a child, he loved going on the charity’s Activenture Holidays, and, despite his own disabilities, has spent much of his adult life fundraising for The British Red Cross to ensure other children have the same opportunities he did.

When not putting himself through obstacle courses, sponsored swims and other trials, Jeffrey can be found supporting his neighbours at Highdown Court in Durrington - who believe his achievements are phenomenal and fully deserve  to be acknowledged.

Cllr Chowdhury said: “It’s very important to recognise those who give their time tirelessly to give back to the community.

“What Claire, Jeffrey and Khristina have done, and continue to do, is so inspiring. More people should know about the superhuman efforts of our unsung heroes, so to be able to show just a token of our appreciation through this small gesture is fantastic.”