A BIG hearted woman who has given up her time to help county people for the past 35 years has been nominated for our Pride in Worcestershire campaign.

Joan Kendall, a meet and greet volunteer at Worcestershire Royal Hospital, has been put forward by the hospital's volunteer co-ordinator Liz Williams who said she is "invaluable".

Mrs Williams said 81-year-old Mrs Kendall, from St George's Lane North, has been a meeter and greeter since the hospital opened in 2002, but started volunteering in Worcester in 1970 for the Red Cross.

Up until 1991, she carried out First Aid across Worcester, was a nurse attendant on the city ambulances, founded the Red Cross Cadet Unit in Ronkswood, manned the charity shop in St John's and helped out in The Tything branch.

In 1991, she joined Worcester Royal Infirmary in Castle Street as a volunteer in the audiology unit where she stayed until the Worcestershire Royal opened, when she became a volunteer receptionist in audiology before taking up her current role.

"Joan is an invaluable member of the team," Mrs Williams said.

"The Royal can be a daunting place the first time you come in, but Joan is there with a friendly face to put people at ease and give them some reassurance.

"Ultimately she makes people's visits less stressful."

Mrs Kendall, who has lived in Worcester all her life, said she was delighted to have been nominated and says she is very proud of her city.

"I'm so interested in people and everyone knows me - I always get stopped in the street," she said.

"I have had two heart attacks but nothing will stop me volunteering until I have to."

The Worcester News launched its Pride in Worcester campaign to highlight all that is good about the county, including the people who live in it.

If you happen to know someone who makes you proud to live in Worcestershire let us know by phoning 01905 742244 or e-mail wenedit@thisisworcester.co.uk