The founder of a women's cookery group that focusses on mental health has been given an award to recognise her services to the community.

Eva Mbiru, 51, received an honorary award for community advocacy and female empowerment at the Building Blocks Initiative (BBI) Achievement Recognition Awards, held in London at the end of October.

Eva set up 'Spiced in Watford' last year, aiming to provide a space for women struggling with their mental health to cook dishes together from their different cultural backgrounds.

Eva MbiruEva Mbiru (Image: Robertson Egueye)

She is also the founder of the Kenyan Women in Hertfordshire Association.

On the award, Eva said: "I was so happy to get this award and it serves as motivation for me. It's not all about me but the award shows that people know I exist and the services I offer are here.

"It's been a long journey of doing events that have been noticed by people."

Eva had previously been awarded the Hero of Hertfordshire award in 2022, as well as speaking at the Hague and attending an event with the late Queen Elizabeth II.

The Spiced in Watford sessions currently run every Monday afternoon at West Herts College.