A Mansfield Woodhouse man has been recognised for his tireless work to maintain the town’s Millennium Green.

Robert (Bob) Thacker was presented with the Environmental Star Award when Mansfield Building Society Community Star Award winners were announced after the society’s 155th annual meeting at Portland College.

Many nominations were received for its Community Star and Environmental Star Awards and the society said the quality and quantity of entries highlighted how many volunteers dedicate their time to benefit communities in Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire.

Robert was nominated for his dedication to Mansfield Woodhouse Millennium Green Trust since its relaunch in 2013.

He took on the role of trustee and treasurer on top of labouring to install pathways, benches, a community orchard, and wildflower meadows.

Robert also developed a five-year grassland management and development plan.

Caroline Ellis, who put him forward for the accolade, said: “Bob is the font of all knowledge about the green. He works tirelessly to organise the volunteers and manage the plan of work that needs to be done to maintain it as an asset for the local community.”

The Community Star Award went to Stuart Slater, who has volunteered as a first aider at St John Ambulance in Derbyshire for 55 years.

On top of his long-term commitment, he has also taken on several senior roles with the organisation, committing a large amount of his spare time and working around his full-time job and family.

His nomination highlighted how Stuart has embraced many changes with enthusiasm.

As area manager, Stuart has been responsible for cadet first aider units, for young people aged from 5 to 18, to help develop the next generation in the charity.

Elspin Chapman, who nominate Stuart, said: “The motto of the St John Ambulance translates as For the faith and in the service of humanity — and Stuart’s 55 years of service exemplifies that.

“Portable defibrillators were unheard of when Stuart started volunteering, but now all our volunteers can use the device and Stuart has assessed hundreds of them, allowing those volunteers to save even more lives.

“When the pandemic 19 came, Stuart worked tirelessly throughout, packing educational resources for trainers, volunteer vaccinators, and patient advocates. His resilience knows no bounds.”

Also receiving a highly commended recognition was the team at Hetty’s, a charity based in Mansfield Woodhouse that supports families affected by a loved one’s alcohol or drug abuse; and Sophie Colclough, of S.E.Nsational Minds Playgroup for disabled children in Mansfield.

Paul Wheeler, Mansfield Building Society chief executive, added: “Stuart and Robert demonstrate the very essence of Community and Environmental Stars. So many among our community volunteer their time selflessly, making it exceptionally difficult to pick between the 30-plus nominations. However, this year’s winners stood out from the crowd with their remarkable contributions.

“As a local building society, we’re incredibly honoured to be recognising these people and the terrific work they do.”