AN 86-year-old who has run a weekly children's club for the past 30 years has been named as Hambleton's Local Hero for 2005.

Doris Mitchell has also been actively involved in her local church and Guiding association.

She has now decided to slow down a little and move from her home village of Thirlby, near Thirsk, to a residential home.

Her friends nominated her as the district's local hero in an awards scheme run by Hambleton District Council.

It was launched earlier this year to reward people who demonstrate remarkable community spirit.

Lynda Powell, of the district council, said: "We wanted to find those people who give up their own time to help other people or help the community, and in Doris I think we have definitely found 2005's local hero.

"Heroes can be found in all walks of life and simply go about their work as part of their own lives.

"In Doris, we have found a real star. She does so much for the local community and yet doesn't think she has done anything out of the ordinary."

Pamela Sheldrake and Barry Sidebottom who nominated her, said: "We are delighted to have nominated Doris. She really deserves to be celebrated as a local hero."

More than 20 people from all walks of life were put forward for the award.