THE hard work and dedication of a community champion will be recognised with a civic reception.

Betty Carr, from Shildon, has been invited to a civic reception to be hosted by the chairman and leader of Durham County Council.

Mrs Carr was one of the founder members of the Jubilee Fields Community Association, where she was heavily involved in a successful National Lottery bid for £400,000.

This, together with other community funds, helped provide the residents of Shildon with a modern community centre.

She said: "Although it is an honour and a privilege to have my community work recognised, I would like to think that I am a true representative of all volunteers who give up their time to improve the quality of life for the people within their community."

Mrs Carr is the current chairwoman of the Patient and Public Involvement Forum at Sedgefield.

The forum is made up of local people to represent and consult with the public to make sure their health service is giving them the best care.

Mrs Carr said: "It is a very exciting time for the forum as we have just agreed our action plan for the coming year.

"We will be conducting surveys of various GP surgeries throughout Sedgefield borough and consulting with the public to ensure their views and ideas are taken into account. Together we can build a health service that makes a difference."

The forum is planning to host an event in the autumn, which will include consultation on changes being made to Primary Care Trust services.

In the meantime, representatives from Sedgefield Primary Care Trust will discuss new health centres and other developments at a public meeting on Thursday, July 29, at 3pm, at The Pioneering Care Centre, Newton Aycliffe.