St Albans City landed the double in this year’s Chamber of Commerce Community Business Awards.

The football club won the corporate social responsibility award, and commercial manager and football secretary Tom Norman picked up the young employee award.

Saints co-owner Lawrence Levy said: “We were delighted to win two awards and for the recognition of all Tom’s hard work over the last three years. Winning the CSR award was acknowledgement of the strong community ethos at the club and the work it has done promoting football and many other sports throughout the local area. Over 5,000 children in the district now play football and our work in local schools has seen the rise of girls’ football and disability football as well as the continuing success of City Youth.”

He added: “I accepted the CSR award on behalf of all the tireless volunteers who give up hours of their time to the club and in memory of the David Wray of City Youth, who sadly passed away recently.”

Over 200 local business people attended the awards ceremony at Sopwell House Hotel last week, which saw 45 finalists and nine winners overall.

Chamber executive director Lisa Bates-Wallis said: “We were delighted and honoured to be hosting these awards again in 2016, each year the calibre of the entries is so impressive. We really do have some amazing people doing amazing things in the district. Congratulations to all of the winners and finalists you are all incredible. Also a huge thank you to our sponsors who make these events possible.”

Co-presenter Paul Rosenthal welcomed guests by saying: “Tonight is all about you, we are very proud to be showcasing all the fantastic businesses here tonight and hope you are all very proud of yourselves for being here”

During the evening a collection was made in aid of Mount Vernon Cancer Centre Charitable Fund and £1,041.00 was raised for the charity on the night. Liz Hizli from the charity thanked the Chamber for their continued support and fundraising.

Paul Parrish, the winner of The President’s Award 2016, received a standing ovation from the crowd in recognition of his huge personal and physical sacrifices over the years fundraising for various charities.

The 2016 winners were:

BEST RESTAURANT AWARD - Sponsored by the Herts Advertiser – Freddie’s

YOUNG EMPLOYEE AWARD – Sponsored by Oaklands College – Tom Norman of St Albans City FC

GREEN BUSINESS AWARD - Sponsored by The Green Triangle - Lussmanns

THE PRESIDENT’S AWARD - Sponsored by Herts Business Independent – Paul Parrish

NEW BUSINESS AWARD - Sponsored by Visionary Accountants - Your Business Angels

BUSINESS LEADER AWARD - Sponsored by Rayner Essex – Katherine Rayden

CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY AWARD - Sponsored by Scott & York IP Law - St Albans City Football Club

BUSINESS GROWTH AWARD - Sponsored by the University of Hertfordshire – KG Electrical

COMMUNITY CHAMPION AWARD - Sponsored by St Michael’s Manor Hotel – Hillary Taylor