A WOMAN who threw herself into community work when she moved to south Worcestershire has retired from a Malvern-based charity after nine years.

Diane Bellamy has decided to retire from Malvern Community Action after working as deputy manager for four and a half years, followed by being the manager for another four and a half years.

The charity, which is located in Belle Vue Terrace, supports community groups, helps elderly and disadvantaged people and operates a transport service.

Mrs Bellamy, 61, was also a founder member and secretary of Malvern Access Group and retired last autumn after five years.

She has also been secretary of Upton in Bloom for the past four years and does a weekly stint at the heritage centre in the town.

"We moved into the Malvern area and I wanted a job that would give me contact with the community and help me get to know Malvern.

"I have always worked with charities.

"I have got to know so many people through the job.

"It is a really good way to get to know an area and get involved in a place."

She said one of the highlights of her work has been organising the annual charity fair.

"About 40 groups attend and it is such a good day," she said.

"It has a really nice feeling with the community coming together. All the stalls are run by volunteers.

"It has that lovely friendly atmosphere."

Mrs Bellamy plans to continue her work with Upton in Bloom as well as spending time researching her family history.

She added: "I hope Community Action goes from strength to strength. I'm sure it will - it provides such a fantastic service."