GYMNASTICS coach Lorraine Barson has been honoured for her community work at a London awards ceremony.

Mrs Barson, who founded Malvern Hills Gymnastics Club with her husband Brian, received a West Midlands regional award at Community Service Volunteers' Year of the Volunteer 2005 awards.

She went through to the regional rounds after first being nominated at county level.

At Sunday's ceremony in the Theatre Royal, she rubbed shoulders with MP David Blunkett and Lord Levy.

Before the ceremony, all the recipients saw the musical Guys and Dolls, which Mrs Barson said was very good.

Malvern Hills Gymnastics Club is currently refurbishing a Spring Lane industrial unit to use as a hall.

Although a kitchen, toilets, and labour have been donated, the club still needs money for insulation and lighting.

Anyone who can help should contact Mrs Barson on 01684 574970.