A WELL known charity boss has been thanked her selfless work with an award from the council.

Worcestershire County Council gave the Black Pear Tree Award to Jean Wilson and two other volunteers, as part of the World Class Worcestershire Campaign.

The awards ceremony took place at the council's headquarters in County Hall, off Spetchley Road, Worcester, on Wednesday, June 7.

Jean Wilson, founder of New Hope Children's Charity, said: "I'm thrilled to have been nominated to receive a Black Pear Tree Award for my voluntary work at New Hope.

"The work I do involves a wide team of staff and I'd like to thank them for all their hard work and dedication to the project and also thanks to all our supporters; we appreciate their kindness too.

"Volunteering is rewarding and often goes unseen so to all volunteers across Worcestershire I'd say thank you to them all."

Ms Wilson was made an MBE in the Queen's birthday honours list last year in recognition of her work with disabled children.

The Black Pear Tree Award was also given to Derrick Potter, a volunteer for Pershore Volunteer Centre, and Mike Cusack, who helps out at Droitwich Community Transport Service.

Mr Potter said: "I enjoy being a volunteer and of use to people. Volunteering is a lovely way to put something back into the community."

The award recognises commitment and dedication to communities.

Cllr Lucy Hodgson, who holds responsibility for communities at the county council, said: "It was a pleasure to be part of the presentation of the Black Pear Tree to such well deserving charities.

"Community transport is vital to every local community and it was a pleasure to acknowledge the work of the Pershore Centre.

"In the same light I have known about Jean and her team at New Hope since it opened. Both charities are fantastic and I was glad to celebrate their work."

The awards ceremony took place during National Volunteer Week, which ran from Thursday, June 1, to Wednesday, June 7.

The week was organised by The National Council for Voluntary Organisations.