A councillor and her son received a shout-out on national radio yesterday because of the work they are doing for the community during the coronavirus pandemic.

BBC Radio 2 presenter Sara Cox has been recognising community heroes on her show since at least the beginning of 2019 with her 'SARA' award.

SARA stands for 'Special Award Recognising Awesomeness' and the public are invited to get in touch and make a nomination for someone they believe is deserving of the award.

During her drive-time show yesterday, Ms Cox announced that Borehamwood councillor Michelle Vince and her son James, 14, were recipients of a SARA award.

The presenter said: "Now, of course as we all know, is the time to say thank you. Julia's been on. Please could I give a huge shout-out and a well done to 14-year-old James Hewitt and his mum Councillor Michelle Vince for their hard work in a deprived neighbourhood in Hertfordshire.

"They have been shopping, gardening, and recycling much-needed disability equipment and toys for needy people in Cowley Hill in Borehamwood.

"They are basically absolute stars."

Borehamwood Times:

Ms Cox paid her own personal tribute to Cllr Vince and James, and she played the hit song Symphony by Clean Bandit dedicating the tune to the mother and son.

Councillor Michelle Vince was not listening to the radio show at the time and she says her phone began buzzing when friends heard it on the radio.

Reacting to the award, Cllr Vince said: "We are both absolutely delighted and James was over the moon because he has worked quite hard though this period.

"The fact that someone in this difficult time took time out of their day to do that - we are blown away.

"I was getting messages and calls within minutes. Just to be recognised is amazing. We were just gobsmacked. I’ve never had a song played to me on national radio."

Cllr Vince added she has no idea who the 'Julia' who nominated her and James is.

Click here to listen to the radio clip which is around 25 minutes into the show.