A stonemason who voluntarily fixed several vandalised memorials in a Harpenden cemetery has been given £1,000 by admirers.

Anthony Knox had waived a £1,600 fee to repair the graves at Westfield Road cemetery.

After hearing about Mr Knox’s selflessness, administrators of the Old Harpenden, Years Gone By group decided to raise some money for him.

Administrator Paul Lakatos, said: “The response was pretty amazing. By the beginning of last week we had collected just over £900, and one member contacted me to ask about the final total, which was £916.19.

“They said they would bring the figure up to £1000, which was superb.”

The group met up with Mr Knox before Christmas to hand over the money and speak about his work.

Mr Lakatos said: “He was a very humble family guy who did what he did not expecting anything at all in recognition.”