A RETIRED teacher described as an ‘unsung heroine’ has been presented with a prestigious award recognising her services to the community.

Viv Oddy, from Abbots Morton, near Inkberrow, has received the Wychavon Diamond Jubilee Community Recognition Award after being nominated by Abbots Morton Parish Council for her tireless contribution to the village over many years.

Cllr Val Wood, chairman of Wychavon District Council, presented Mrs Oddy with the trophy, which she gets to keep for 12 months, and a cheque for £200 during a recent ceremony at the Civic Centre in Pershore.

Mrs Oddy's voluntary work includes designing and painting sets for the village hall pantomimes, photo cut out booths for the fete, an appeal board for the church fund-raising project and helping to organise the annual bric-a-brac event.

She also dedicates a lot of time to caring for the emotional and physical needs of the older residents in the village. This includes offering to take people to hospital for appointments and putting on social events to bring older people together and to help reduce social isolation.

Mrs Oddy says she is ‘highly honoured’ to receive the award and is planning to use some of the money to organise a gathering in the village.

“It is a pleasure to be able to help those in my community as much as possible," she said.

"After caring for my father I realised the needs of others, particularly those who are elderly and venerable. I am fortunate enough, since my retirement, to have the time to help others. So my saying is ‘I do it because I can’.”

In total 15 people and groups were nominated for the award.

Runner-up was George Ward from Hartlebury for his work with Hartlebury Historical Society, the campaign to save Hartlebury Castle and support for refurbishing Hartlebury Parish Hall. He received £100.

There was also £50 each for the South Worcestershire Lifeguards and Spencer and Hazel Mitchell from Bretforton, near Evesham.

Cllr Wood said: “Making the award this year proved, as always, very difficult with so many worthy nominees who have contributed to the wonderful community life we have in this district.

“It was agreed by the judging panel that the winner was Viv Oddy who has, and still is, offering outstanding support to so many in her village. May I offer a big thank you to all those who have proved as selfless as The Queen in whose name the awards are given.”