WATFORD mayor, Dorothy Thornhill recognised some of the local people who “make Watford great” at a civic ceremony to mark the 2014 Audentior Awards last week.

The eight awards are to acknowledge some of the local people who go above and beyond the call of duty to do that bit more for their communities in a variety of ways.

Imagine Estate and Lettings Agents received the one commercial award for Most Charitable Business 2014 with the mayor praising its owner, Mike Cole, for his leadership in inspiring his staff to give and support so many local charities and good causes.

Among the benefactors of Imagine’s support over the last year have been the Starlight Walk, Watford Palace Theatre, Peace Hospice Care, Watford Live, Cassiobury and Evergeen Youth Football, Watford Workshop, and various schools. In 2013 alone, the cpmpany raised more than £15,000 through sponsorship for various challenges or through donations. This is in addition to the many hours volunteering they do.

Of the award, Mike says: "A successful business has a responsibility to pay back to its community. It also has the capacity to educate and instil in its staff a charitable ethic.

“I’m delighted and proud that we have been recognised for being a business that do just that.

At the same time, I really feel we have only scratched the surface of what we can contribute and as the business hopefully grows, the intention is to make sure our charitable efforts do too.”

Imagine, Block B, 26 Wilmington Close, Watford, WD18 0FQ Telephone: 01923 630844 Website: imagine-group.co.uk