A BROADWAY woman has become a national 'community champion' for 40 years of selfless service at the local youth club.

Betty Phillips was secretly nominated for the award by neighbour, Annmarie Crawford, as thanks for her dedication to Broadway Youth Centre.

Ms Crawford attended the club under Mrs Phillips, and now sends her own child to the centre.

Mrs Phillips, 69, said: "I was on holiday and when I came back Annmarie told me I had won.

"I've been volunteering since my son started going to the club when he was seven.

"I started to help as a mum and now I'm chairperson of the club. I just love the kids and they love going to the club."

Mrs Phillips is concerned about the number of youth club closures around the country.

"The youth club is crucial in Broadway as we are rural and once the kids are home there's no public transport or places for them to meet," she said.

Broadway Youth Centre has 72 members and runs every Thursday night for 5-19 year olds.

Youngsters can cook at the club and are able to play sports such as pool and table tennis.

The club is self-funded although Broadway Parish Council has helped the club in times of financial difficulties.

Club members also take part in an annual sponsored night walk to help boost the club kitty.

Anglian Home Improvements organised the awards and gave Mrs Phillips some vouchers as a prize.

Mrs Phillips also won the Young Solutions Tryangle award in June, and was awarded an MBE in 2002.