TWO community workers are flying the flag for Malvern in a countywide competition.

Hilary Al Rasheed and Donna Cole are among ten finalists in the St Richard's Hospice Worcestershire Women of the Year competition.

Hilary is one of three nominees in the achievement category, for business excellence and contribution to the community.

Besides a busy career as community manager at Holland Funeral Services, Barnards Green, she is chairman of Malvern Inner Wheel. As well as numerous charity events for the club, Hilary organises regular fundraisers at Hollands.

"I'm delighted to be shortlisted, it's very exciting," she said. "It brings with it a great sense of personal achievement.

"Reaching the final might also help raise the profile of women working in a male dominated profession."

Donna Cole is shortlisted for the voluntary award category. She set up Allsorts, a group for parents of children with learning disabilities, after her daughter Justine was born with a rare brain condition.

"At first I didn't know anybody else with a special needs child," she said. "I felt very down and thought other people could be feeling the same, so I was determined to help parents in a similar position.

"I was very surprised to hear I'd been nominated, but I'm absolutely thrilled."

Whitbourne nurse Sally Knowles is also shortlisted in the achievement category.

Winners will be decided at a charity lunch at Madresfield Court on Wednesday (June 29).

St Richard's spokeswoman Hilary Philpott said the event would raise funds for a room at the new hospice.

She said: "We've had nominations from across Worcestershire, there are some fantastic people out there."