A Hampstead charity chief who played a key role in Jewish-led day of action Mitzvah Day has picked up a top award at Downing Street.

Daniela Pears, the project’s interfaith chair, was presented with a Point of Light Award by Home Secretary Teresa May.

This year’s Mitzvah Day – supported locally by the Ham&High – attracted more than 40,000 volunteers and saw events across Camden, Barnet and Haringey.

Point of Light awards are given to outstanding volunteers who make a change in their communities.

After picking up the plaudit, Mrs Pears said: “It is such a tremendous honour to be recognised as a Point of Light.

“Bringing faith communities together to help local causes is both my passion and privilege.

“If by receiving this award I enthuse others to join in, there will be more mutual understanding, respect and friendship between neighbours of different faiths and increased awareness and support for local c harities, which I think is a ‘win win’.”

And Mitzvah Day founder Laura Marks, who lives in Primrose Hill, said: “I am so delighted that Daniela has won this award, as it recognises all the hard work that she, and our volunteers, have done in developing the interfaith and 365 elements of Mitzvah Day.”

This year’s event was the 10th annual Mitzvah Day, and was held on Sunday, November 22.