A WOMAN who has worked tirelessly for the good of her community since the 1960s is to be rewarded for her sterling efforts tomorrow.

Wychavon District Council is to award Cookhill councillor Eileen Payne a bursary of £200 to mark her achievements.

The bursary was set up in 1993 following the 40th anniversary of the Queen's accession.

Nominations giving details of those who have best served their community are put forward by town and parish councils who contribute to the annual award.

Mrs Payne's community work began with helping elderly neighbours at home and has escalated to fund raising for village events and drawing together more than £250,000 for the refurbishment of the village hall.

She also set up a millennium committee to give villagers a day to remember when 2000 arrived.

Mrs Payne said: "I am absolutely delighted to be awarded this bursary.

"When I was first contacted to be asked if I was happy to have my name put forward, I said I would be but only on the condition that, should I be lucky enough to win, I would be allowed to put the money towards the village hall.

"It is nice to be rewarded for things I have done but I have certainly not been alone. My husband, Derek, has supported me in every possible way."

Wychavon Council chairman David Noyes said: "It will be a personal pleasure to present this award to someone who deserves it through working so hard for the good of others."