A Royston walker has been named the Helping Herts Hero 2024 for his fundraising work with the Friends of the Hertfordshire Way.

Ian Hirst received the award during Helping Herts Week from July 1 to July 5, which celebrates people in the county who have gone "above and beyond" to help their community.

Members of the public were invited to nominate their Herts Hero, and the Helping Herts team selected Ian as the winner.

Ian, who lives in Royston, has been instrumental in the success of the Helping Herts fundraising challenges.

He dedicates his time working with the Friends of Hertfordshire Way to maintain footpaths and lead walking groups.

The award recognises Ian's "outstanding contributions and his commitment to enhancing the Hertfordshire community".

Upon receiving the award, Ian said: "Thanks very much. It’s a pleasure working with the team and something I enjoy. Walking in Hertfordshire is a big part of my life."

Helping Herts is the official charity of Stort Valley Rotary Club, and supports 12 charities within Hertfordshire working to improve the lives of children and young people.

Along with his fellow Friends of Hertfordshire Way, Ian has been pivotal in supporting the charity's Great Big Walk for Herts, which will take place this year on Saturday, September 28.

In previous years, the group has provided guided walkers around all sections of the Hertfordshire Way.

For the 2024 Great Big Walk they have specially designed 12 loops, each a half-marathon in length, for each of the 12 Helping Herts charity partners to adopt.

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Co-founder of Helping Herts, Jim Tatchell said: "Here at Helping Herts, we are tremendously grateful to Ian for leading these efforts and for guiding us over many weeks with his customary good-natured and patient leadership!"

Gordon Morrison, president of Stort Valley Rotary and co-founder of Helping Herts, added: "Congratulations Ian. Thanks for everything you do!"

The charities which Helping Herts supports are Grove Cottage, Hertfordshire Mind Network, Home-Start Herts, Herts Young Homeless, The OLLIE Foundation, The Phoenix Group for Deaf Children and Adults, Playskill, Coram Life Education, Space Hertfordshire, For Baby's Sake, CHEXS and Keech Hospice Care.