The invaluable role of volunteers was celebrated in a new award created in memory of a former Mayor of Tower Hamlets.

The Barry Blandford Award was set up in association with elderly people’s charity Age UK by his daughter Tracy Cunningham.

And in the first ceremony to take place after Mr Blandford passed away at the age of 77 in 2011, Tracy presented the award at the Appian Court day care centre in Parnell Road, Bow.

Elsie Powers was crowned Volunteer of the Year 2013 in recognition of the two decades she has spent giving up her spare time for Age UK.

Speaking after last Friday’s ceremony, which coincided with Volunteers’ Week Tracy said: “On behalf of dad’s family and friends it was a real honour and privilege to have been involved in setting this award up with Age UK East London in dad’s name.”

Runner-up Barrie Stradling was also praised for his dedication to volunteering.

Mr Blandford served as Tower Hamlets Mayor from 1991 – 1992.