The High Sheriff of Bedfordshire, Colin Osborne, presented awards to 17 individuals and three community groups at his 2014-2015 Citizenship Awards ceremony.
Among them were Zulfiqar Afsar and Manny Muhammed, they were the ultimate Samaritans when they lifted a car off the vicar of St Mary’s Church, following a road traffic accident.
Their actions allowed him to escape with only minor burns and injuries.
Peter Cowan was awarded a shield for the work he has done for the community.
Awards were made to adults and young people across the county who give their time to their local community and who nominators felt deserved to be recognised for their actions.
The High Sheriff said: “I have visited many voluntary and community groups during my term of office and have been inspired by the work others do for the good of those most in need, and also in need of engagement or inspiration.
“This awards event gave me the opportunity to thank the individuals, groups and the community as a whole for their fantastic work in improving the lives of others in Bedfordshire and Luton.”