ST Albans tailor Geoffrey Golding thought he had got the measure of Hertfordshire’s High Sheriff Gerald Corbett as his bespoke suit maker.

But Mr Corbett sprang a surprise on GD Golding Tailors’ managing director by inviting him to County Hall, Hertford, to receive one of his Personal Awards for services to the county community.

Said Mr Golding, who founded his business in a small shop in Hatfield Road nearly 50 years ago: “The award came right out of the blue – praising my work for hundreds of clients across the county and for our job creation record,”

Behind the shop facade are offices and workshops for as many as 20 staff. The business nurtures rare craft skills and has provided training to a number of young people over the years.

A bespoke tailor for men and women, Goldings is also renowned as the foremost UK manufacturer of uniforms for officers in the Army, RAF, Royal Navy and Royal Marines.

It was awarded the coveted Queen’s warrant for tailoring services to the Royal Household, makes ceremonial livery for historic institutions, civilian wear for top establishment figures and sporting wear.

Gerald Corbett, a leading businessman, who lives on a farm near Redbourn, made the tailor his first port of call when he was told of his pending appointment as High Sheriff. Mr Golding measured him up for the ceremonial silk velvet court-coat, waistcoat and breeches.

Mr Corbett has been a director of 11 public companies and chairman of four. Currently he chairs soft drinks company Britvic and the price comparison website Moneysupermarket.com. His charitable works include chairmanship of the Royal National Institute for the Deaf.

At the same ceremony, Mr Corbett presented the annual Crimebeat awards for those who do outstanding work with young people to create safer communities.

Among the award winners was St Albans City and London Colney Amateur Boxing Club which received �700 as a runner up and was praised in particular for the encouragement it gives members of the travellers community and the fitness training as well as boxing skills it provides.

In his presentation, Mr Corbett singled out the impressive commitment shown by the club’s leaders and the care and concern they had for members.

The High Sheriff also made Personal Award presentations to Keith and Penny McAdam, Catherine Cannon, Barry Moore of Halls the Butchers and Cressida Rayner, who are all villagers in Redbourn where he lives, and to Robin Chapman of Markyate.

Each individual award winner was given a cheque for �100 made out to the charity of their choice.