A community stalwart has been awarded Epping Town Council's Townsperson of the year.

Jacqui Mortimer, who is involved in the 1st Theydon Garnon Scout Group, Friends of Swaines Green, and the Christmas Tree Festival at St John's Church, was honoured at an annual meeting.

Speaking at the virtual event, town mayor, Cllr Grahame Scruton, congratulated Ms Mortimer for her "hard work and success".

He added: "Over this past year Jacqui has also made personal protective equipment for Princess Alexandra Hospital, as well as setting up a collection point at her home for people to donate items to help the hospital staff."

Ms Mortimer told the meeting she was "honoured" by the award, adding "Epping means so much to me".

She also thanked all the individuals and organisations which worked so hard with her to ensure the events and groups were such a success, and described the town as somewhere with a "real sense of community".