A GRATEFUL daughter has shown her appreciation by nominating her mother for an award.

Anne Pennington won a WonderMum award after her daughter, Helen, wrote a letter thanking her for her help and friendship over the past 23 years.

Mrs Pennington, of South View, Spennymoor, won the prize in a competition launched by the town's Asda supermarket on Mother's Day.

Writing to the judges, Helen, 23, of Albion Street, Spennymoor, said: "She has given me a shoulder to cry on and offered help and advice where she can. She's great like that. She always puts other people before herself, and won't let anyone down.

"There are so many things that she does for me, it is hard to put them all into words, but I know, that I have a WonderMum and I wouldn't change her for the world."

Mrs Pennington has helped her daughter buy her first home, organised her finances, supported her through poor health and drove her to college and work while working as a courier herself.

The 58-year-old said: "I know Helen is very proud of me, but I didn't expect to win anything like this. It is nice to know I am appreciated, but of course I'd do anything I could for my daughter."

Asda's Spennymoor store manager, Neil Tynemouth, presented Mrs Pennington with a spring bouquet.