A Watford Synagogue member who founded a charity to tackle loneliness among the elderly and a founder of the Edgware branch of Hatzola have received British Citizen awards, which recognise those “working selflessly to make a positive impact on society”.

Lynne Misner established Small Acts of Kindness three years ago and the mother of two runs it in her spare time with the support of a dedicated team of volunteers, working in partnership with local organisations. Sourcing and distributing winter essentials, it has helped more than 8,500 people in the Hertfordshire area.

Ms Misner said “the positive impact an act of kindness can make” should never be underestimated.

Dr Asher Lewinsohn, a senior registrar specialising in anaesthetics and intensive care within the NHS, was honoured for services to healthcare. As well as his involvement in Hatzola, the community’s emergency medical response service, he is a critical care response doctor for East of England ambulance service.

He also runs first-aid and CPR courses, addresses local gatherings on the importance of life-saving skills and trains organisations on the use of defibrillators.

The awards ceremony in Westminster was hosted by children’s TV presenter Michael Underwood.