A WOMAN who works tirelessly to bring her community together has been nominated for an award.

Jean Tokarski, 71, has been working for 11 years to make life better for the people of the former mining village of North Skelton, east Cleveland.

Village amenities, including a BMX track, a mini football and basketball court, and a park, and trips for mothers and children and elderly people, have all resulted from Mrs Tokarski's work.

In the process, she has raised more than £17,000 for the projects.

To her surprise, she has been nominated for a Help the Aged Not Just Older award.

She said: "I haven't done it for appreciation, but it is nice to feel appreciated.

"I have a lovely family and marvellous friends, but a lot of older people have nobody. I feel that getting this award may help us to get more money for activities."

Next week, Mrs Tokarski will go the Savoy Hotel, in London, to take part in an awards ceremony with celebrities including Angela Rippon, Cherie Blair and Barbara Windsor.