A reception has been held at Oxford Town Hall to recognise people who have given exceptional service to the city.

Four Oxford residents were awarded a Certificate of Honour by the Lord Mayor of Oxford, Gill Sanders.

Earlier this year, Oxford residents were asked to nominate people who have carried out exceptional voluntary work for the community.

A panel of judges, chaired by the Lord Mayor, selected the winners.

The panel included representatives from the Oxford and District Trades Union Council and the Oxfordshire Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Mrs Sanders said: "I never cease to be amazed and inspired by the dedication and commitment of people in this city."

Those receiving certificates were:

Mohammed Abdul Mannan: Mr Mannan is a popular figure in Oxford's Asian community and has been a driving force behind the success of Oxfordshire Bangladeshi Association. He also devotes much of his time to other local charities, including the Oxford Night Shelter.

Peter Hawkins: Mr Hawkins has been running the "7 o'clock Club" in Oxford for more than 20 years.

He devotes at least 10 hours a week to running the club for adults with learning difficulties, and organises a summer holiday for them.

Betty Davies: Mrs Davies dedicates much of her time to raising money for cancer research.

Her fundraising activities have included taking part in sponsored cycle rides until the age of 70 and she still organises them each year.

Prof Robert Joseph Paton Williams: He helped form the Cutteslowe and Sunnymead Group in 1981 and has devoted countless hours to improving north Oxford.

His achievements include the restoration of Sunnymead Park, which was once littered with abandoned cars and cycles.