GURKHA military veterans and their wives have won the Gazette’s Community Hero Award for keeping Colchester tidy.

The residents, who live at Abbeygate House in St John’s Green, have receivedatrophy and £100 for their work to keep the St John’s Green area clean.

This month’s award was presented to the veterans as they held an open day for the community.

Earlier this year the veterans, and their families, were presented with a cup by Colchester In Bloom for their work.

Umesh Pun said: “If people struggle to maintain their gardens, they can call us and we go and do whatever we can.

“People don’t really understand and just chuck rubbish everywhere.

“We do this to show them, to educate them about clearing up and keeping the area tidy.

“We were very surprised to win.

“This is our normal routine – it is what we do.

“It is a great honour.”

The veterans also help schools to get their green areas looking spic and span.

James Wills, editor-in-chief of the Gazette, said: “This award is well deserved.

“The work the residents at Abbeygate House do is appreciated by the whole community and we are delighted to be able to give them further recognition for their work.

“We want to thank Abellio Greater Anglia for sponsoring the campaign.

“We still want your nominations, so if there is someone you think deserves recognition, get in touch.”

Petrina Murphy, area customer services manager for Abellio Greater Anglia, added: “We would like to congratulate all of the residents who were involved in this project.

“Abellio Greater Anglia is delighted to champion local heroes who are instrumental in their communities.”

Anyone who would like help from the Gurkha’s is asked to contact Mr Pun on 07762261428.

To nominate your own Community Hero, send your details, their name and reasons why they should win to gazette.newsdesk@nqe.com