Two “community stalwarts” from south Bucks have been shortlisted for a national award celebrating the work of parish councillors.

Councillor Derek Lacey of Chesham Town Council and cllr Vicki Smith of West Wycombe Parish Council were nominated by Bucks County Council for going “the extra mile” for their parishes.

The duo – who were selected from 200 entries – have made it into the final five of the Parish Councillor of the Year awards.

The awards are run by the Local Government Information Unit as part of its 2016 Councillor Achievement Awards.

Cllr Lacey has been an independent member of Chesham Town Council for three decades – representing Pond Park – and has overcome “severe health problems” during his life, serving as an “inspiration” to the community.

He has campaigned tirelessly for improvements to youth facilities, retention of bus routes and better health care.

Cllr Smith has been a parish councillor since West Wycombe Parish Council was created in 1987 and has been chairman for the last 25 years.

She has been campaigning on behalf of residents in recent years to make sure HS2 construction traffic will not pass through the village High Street and presented to the House of Commons in November 2015.

The councillor also launched the New Year Day Walk in 2000, regularly runs coffee mornings for a hospice and during her post as chairman the parish council allotments were secured and the burial ground and play area were created.

Leader of Bucks County Council, cllr Martin Tett congratulated the “unsung heroes of Bucks who work tirelessly to improve their local communities.”