A man's random acts of kindness were commended at the Pride of Essex awards.

Nigel Richardson, founder of Maldon's Secret Hamper's selfless work was recognised at the awards at Anglia Ruskin University when he received the Community Champion award.

Nigel, who founded the business in 2016 earned the award after he brought together 70 businesses to each sponsor a hamper for £70 as part of the NHS70 initiative.

The business then delivered 70 boxes to Broomfield Hospital of essentials which were distributed to more than 2,000 staff members in a day.

He said: "You would never get this same impact if we were to just send in one or two boxes at a time."

Mr Richardson described his experience at the Pride of Essex awards as a "very heartwarming and humbling" night.

He was nominated by his closed friend, Craig Gough.

Mr Richardson said: "I was extremely flattered that somebody, my friend Craig Gough had taken the time to nominate me in the first place.

"Even though the event is targeted at individuals not businesses, I think the judges were impressed with our core ethos, which is to encourage others to embrace their inner superhero and have a positive impact on someone else’s life."

Mr Richardson started the business after seeing a TV advert which saw a young man leave a bog of shopping on an elderly neighbour's doorstep.

The advert gave Mr Richardson the idea of encouraging people throughout his community to do selfless things for others.

He continues to perform selfless acts and encourages other residents in the community to do so too.

Mr Richardson enjoyed spending the night with his friends and colleagues, meeting a host of "inspirational" people, saying they "are all making a difference to the lives of others around our county."

He also thanked the organisers for the award.

Mr Richardson said: "I was extremely proud to accept the Highly Commended award for Community Champion and it was humbling to receive recognition for what we’re trying to achieve."

Now he has bigger plans to supply essentials for 70 hospitals across the UK including in Essex by July 2019.

To support the business and to find out more, go to www.secrethamper.com.