A WOMAN who has given hours of tireless service to her home town has been rewarded with a citizen of the year award.

Helen Stockwell, 57, was presented with the award by Guisborough Town Mayor Anne Franklin at a ceremony last night.

Mrs Stockwell is secretary of the Guisborough branch of the NSPCC, which has raised thousands of pounds to help prevent cruelty to children.

She is a member of the Women's Royal Voluntary Service and has delivered meals on wheels, helped to run a luncheon club at a sheltered housing scheme and organises the town's over-70s club.

Mrs Franklin said: "It is an honour and a privilege for me to be able to present the award to Helen. I have known her for a great many years and, during this time, her tireless energy and commitment to being involved in the community and helping others is limitless.

"We are very fortunate to have someone like Helen in our town. Over the many years of service she has never sought any limelight."

Mrs Stockwell, of Lucia Lane, who has one son and two daughters, said: "I feel embarrassment and surprise in equal amounts. There are so many people in Guisborough that do so much more than I do, but I'm very pleased to receive the award.

"It's been a very enjoyable time and I have made some very good friends in the 28 years I've lived in Guisborough."