Volunteers who give their time to help others have been honoured with a Gravesham Community Award as a thank you for “going the extra mile”.

In one of her last acts as Gravesham mayor, Cllr Greta Goatley gave out six awards at the annual council meeting last Tuesday.

The recipients ranged from teenagers to adults who have helped others in various ways.

Andrew Martin, who has devoted 40 years to scouting, starting as a six-year-old cub and eventually becoming a leader. He is the only Higham resident to have achieved the Queen's Scout Award, the highest youth programme award, under the age of 25.

Courtney Trimming, 14, has been volunteering since she was eight and has helped many people, including a young boy with special educational needs.

Chris and Linda Norris, who have a disabled daughter, have been volunteering since 1974 when they became involved with learning disability charity Mencap. In the 1980s they set up Friends of Gravesham Mentally Handicapped Children and they now work for Mencap, driving the minibus and organising a weekly youth club among other things.

Derek Lewis was described as “the continued driving force and glue” behind Iroquois Basketball Club in Gravesend, which he has been dedicated to for 30 years, running two senior teams and numerous junior ones as well as acting as a referee.

Mary Walker is the divisional secretary for the Dartford district of military charity SSAFA (the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Families Association), and fundraises and gives talks to raise awareness of the charity.

Kelly Hall was described as a “true community champion” for helping the vulnerable, those on the margins of society and challenging individuals.

Council chief executive David Hughes said: “It was an absolute pleasure to be able to reward these inspirational people and give them the recognition they deserve. They do so much for the community of Gravesham and it was fitting that they were honoured in this way.”

Two councillors, leader, Conservative Cllr David Turner, and Labour’s Cllr Makhan Singh, were made Honorary Freeman of the Borough, the highest honour the borough can bestow.

Cllr Turner has represented Istead Rise ward since 1976 and became council leader a few weeks ago while Cllr Singh has represented Pelham ward since 1983.

Mr Hughes, said: “This is a perfect way to recognise their huge contributions to Gravesham over a combined total of 75 years. They both will leave a long legacy so it is only right we recognise their hard work and contribution in this way.”