A POSTMAN from Potters Bar has won a council award for his valued work in the community. Jan Southwell picked up the gong at Hertsmere Borough Council s civic dinner last week. The father-of-two was nominated by

A POSTMAN from Potters Bar has won a council award for his "valued" work in the community.

Jan Southwell picked up the gong at Hertsmere Borough Council's civic dinner last week.

The father-of-two was nominated by his mother-in-law Audrey Ray, for his work with a range of community groups, including the Potters Bar Carnival Committee and the Parent, Teacher and Friends Association (PTFA) at Mount Grace School, in Church Road.

Mrs Ray said: "Jan is a valued member of the community and I am very proud to have him as my son-in-law."

Meanwhile Jan, of Field View Road, told the Potters Bar Edition the first he knew about his nomination was when he heard his name read out at the event by Hertsmere mayor Sandra Parnell.

He said his award came "totally out of the blue" and that he was "honoured" to receive it.

"I just like to help people," he said. "I know I have been doing committees for about 30-odd years but it came as a complete shock."

The 52-year-old added: "It [the award] has taken pride of place on my mantelpiece."

Jan was one of 11 Hertsmere residents to be honoured at the gala event, which took place in front of more than 200 guests at Elstree Studios in Borehamwood.

Speaking about the ceremony, Cllr Parnell said: "It was a lovely evening and I was honoured to present the annual civic awards to 11 residents who do so much for their local communities on a voluntary basis.