A SPRIGHTLY pensioner who helps others with odd jobs and shopping is among several kind-hearted souls to have been given awards in a new competition organised by housing chiefs.

Festival Housing Group, which manages 8,000 homes in and around Worcestershire and Herefordshire, organised Stars of the Community to reward residents who play a significant role in their community.

The housing provider launched the competition this year, looking for people from the county who have made a contribution in their neighbourhood or community.

Eighty-one-year-old John Mason, from Vines Lane, Droitwich, was among the winners after being nominated by a warden for helping his elderly neighbours with their odd jobs and shopping.

But Mr Mason said: "I don't think it is anything special.

"Helping people is something I have done all my life. I was embarrassed when I found out about the award."

Others included Jean Dorrell, from Colwall, near Ledbury, nominated by her neighbour for standing up to nuisance neighbours and being a witness

in a court action against them.

Thirty-eight-year-old Donna McIntosh, from Baxter's Walk, Malvern, nominated by her daughter, was also recognised for helping run kids after-school and summer clubs and helping her neighbours.

Sixteen-year-old Katie Shirt, from Suckley, was also one of two young community stars nominated for her work as part of the Worcester Rural Youth Group.

She has been involved with the group for four years and has been busy making presentations to MPs on areas such as transport, employment and housing which could be improved for young people in the area.

The former Malvern's Dyson Perrins CE High School pupil, who now plans to go to Worcester College of Technology to undertake a health studies course, said: "I was really pleased and just thought `wow' I hardly ever win everything so it came as a bit of a shock."

Meanwhile, Eunice Williams, from Droitwich, was rewarded for helping her neighbours, being a volunteer at St Richard's Hospice and organising a street carnival.

Sixty-three-year-old Ledbury resident Olive Bradley's voluntary and charitable work was also recognised when she was presented with an award.

Clare Huyton, Festival Housing Group's executive director, said: "There was a good response and we were very impressed with the nominations - there were some heartwarming stories which showed us community spirit is alive and well in the region, among all ages,"

The winners of the adult section of the awards received £1,000 towards a garden or room makeover and the two children received funding of up to £500.