HOME-Start volunteer, Heather Hollis, has had her selfless work recognised with a national award.

It came as a surprise to the 57-year-old, of St John's Avenue, Kidderminster, as she did not know she had been nominated.

She was one of just 401 people nationally honoured in the Year of the Volunteer 2005 Awards and received her commemorative medal, struck by the Royal Mint, in a presentation ceremony at County Hall, Worcester.

The retired teacher carries out a range of voluntary activities, including her Home-Start work, as well as for Bewdley Museum and Bewdley Festival.

She said: "I'm not a sit-about person - I want to do something. Obviously, having taught children, I know what problems they can have at home."

The mother of two grown-up daughters added: "I didn't expect this award - it was totally out of the blue. I'm very pleased and I'm pleased for Home-Start but I'm only one of many."

Home-Start Wyre Forest's chairman, Diane Kingston, said: "We are delighted that Heather has been honoured for the amazing voluntary work that she does for our family groups.

"Each week, she prepares a variety of activities for children, from finger painting to picnics, story time to sand play."