A DEDICATED Pontypool volunteer has been recognised for her efforts in the community with a Newport Night of Honour Award nomination.

Doreen Thomas, 88, has been nominated as volunteer of the year by good friend Lilly Harris, for her work in running Longbridge Thursday coffee mornings at Ponthir Hall, Caerleon.

The Kings Church has teamed up with Argus for the third year running to find people and organisations that have gone the extra mile to help others.

The eight categories include; the above and beyond award, public service superhero award, parent of the year, volunteer of the year; and community organisation of the year.

Mrs Thomas’s nomination comes as one of the last in a series of nominations for the Newport Night of Honour Awards, and she is in for the chance of winning the title at a ceremony which will take place on September 22.

Her nominator Mrs Harris said: “She has looked after her mother until her as 105 years old and she took her everywhere with her.

“She has also run a stall at the chapel on a Tuesday morning selling a lot of things she has made herself with all money raised going to the chapel.

“For the last 15 years she has ran coffee mornings at the Ponthir Hall for about 30 people as well as organising trips around the country.”

Mrs Thomas said: I have been on my own now for a long time and after my mother died I was stuck here for a long time without personal friends until Lily Harris and her husband Albert allowed me to go along with them on holiday.

“We got along so well and became good friends.

“In 1974 I joined the WI and at that time my husband died and I did a lot in the community, becoming secretary of The Residents Active Group.

“But my age now has meant that I have had to bring my involvement in a bit.

“In 1985 I began running a Thursday morning coffee club for the people who live in the nearby flats who get lonely and can’t get out and about as much.

“As part of this I organise five or six trips a year, such as a couple of meals at Christmas and Easter.

“I am amazed that I have been nominated for this award, I think it is funny.”

“I have just enjoyed working with people.”