Beaconsfield-based developer Shanly Homes is the Housebuilder of the Year in the Thames Valley.

The privately owned company founded by Michael Shanly in 1969 was awarded the top accolade when the competitors lined up for the prize giving at Ascot Racecourse earlier this month.

As part of the company’s 50thanniversary celebrations, the developer has launched a monthly charity prize draw to help worthy causes in the areas where they build.

The winner is chosen at random from the names of those who have bought a house or flat built by Shanly over the years as well as tenants of Sorbon Estates, the commercial arm of the group. Each month they are all in with a chance of winning the £2,500 donation for the charity of their choice.

This month’s winner was George Miles. He and his wife previously bought a Shanly house on the Compass Fields development in Watford.

Mr and Mrs Miles’ choice of charity for the cash windfall was Watford Mencap. The local branch supports people with learning disabilities as well as their families and carers by laying on outings such as canal trips and sports days as well as activities like art and craft workshops and social clubs.

The Miles lived a short walk from the Mencap residential care home in Bushey. The couple have always been full of admiration for the efforts made by volunteers to brighten the lives of the residents at Hillside.

Thanks to the £2,500 from Shanly, the charity is planning to renovate the garden to encourage them to spend more time outdoors smelling the roses. “The staff go above and beyond to make the lives of those with disabilities better,” George says. “My wife and I unanimously agreed to nominate Watford Mencap for the donation.”