A BANK worker has received a national award for her outstanding contributions to the community.

Tracie Smith from Barclays, in Chester-le-Street, was given the honour at the Barclays Chairman's Awards at the Tate Britain in London.

She will receive a £1,000 cheque, to donate to charity, in recognition of her work with the Hilda Park Action Group.

It turned a derelict playing field into a space that could be valued by the community.

Tracie was instrumental in helping raise about £30,000 and arranged a fun day, held to celebrate the opening.

She also involved colleagues at the bank and local school children in planting spring bulbs to complete the transformation.