A husband and wife team who have run a Scout Troop for nearly 20 years have been nominated as Croydon Community Champions.

Brian and Yvonne Lamont have run the 8th Purley Scout Troop since their daughter Vicky became the first girl scout in Purley, aged 11.

The couple have taken hundreds of children camping, abseiling and canoeing both in England and abroad as well as teaching them life skills such as cooking.

Nominated by friend Robert Jones, the couple were praised for their "tireless dedication and endless hard work to ensure they provide a safe entertaining and challenging environment for local children."

Mr Jones wrote: "I can't overestimate what a positive effect they have had on my children or those in the local area. They have continued to run the Troop in spite of very serious health problems."

Last year, their daughter Vicky was killed in a car accident, but despite the blow the couple continued running the scouts.

Mrs Lamont said: "Brian and I have both had big health issues, Brian had cancer and I am disabled, but I think we have tried to demonstrate to the kids that whatever problems you have you can get over them."

Speaking of the nomination she added: "It is a shock to be nominated because we don't do scouting for recognition, we do it because we enjoy it.

"It is fun, the kids make it fun and the other adults in scouting make it fun as well.

"It is a family and after Vicky, the support we had was immense. It is hard to say why you do it, it is something that just gets into your blood and it is nice to give something back."

Mr Lamont added: "I'm surprised but I'm pleased, you don't expect it.

"It's not very often the scouting movement gets much recognition for positive news so this is good not just for ourselves but for the whole movement."

Every week we feature some of Croydon's heroes on this page and we want your nominations.

All nominees will be shortlisted and invited to an awards ceremony in November.

Croydon Champions

Click here to find out more and to nominate your Croydon Champions