One of the founding members of Redditch Community Relations Council (CRC) has stepped down after ten years as chairman.

Madge Tillsley MBE, along with Betty Passingham, Gladys Allbut and Elsie Williams, helped form the CRC in the 1970s with the aim of integrating ethnic groups into local life.

And despite her decision to stand down, the former town mayor said she would still be available if people wanted advice or support.

"I felt it was the right time for me to stand down, but I'll still be around should anyone need my help," she said.

Mrs Tillsley, of Terry Spring's Court, said it was the warmth of welcome she received from local people when arriving in Redditch from Jamaica that prompted the move to set up the CRC intiative.

"When I arrived in Redditch to be with my future husband Jim, who I had met while he was serving in the army, the town's people welcomed me immediately," said Mrs Tillesley.

"They were wonderful. They made me feel part of the community. Since that day I've always had a deep love for this town and its people and I vowed I'd do my best to give something back."

Since the CRC's inception, it has done a great deal to integrate communities in the town. Among its achievements were creating All Women's House, which allows women from ethnic minority groups to learn new skills, launching luncheon clubs for pensioners from ethnic minorities and providing translators for people who cannot speak English.

She added: "No group such as ours existed before. You could say we were pioneers in bringing services to ethnic minorities. I wanted them to feel as welcome in this town as I was made to feel."

For her services to Redditch, Mrs Tillsley was made an MBE and received a Local Heroes Award.

Mrs Tillsley, who will continue with her roles in the Smallwood Residents Association and Sunset Pensioners Club, added: "People in the town and Redditch Council have been fantastic over the years; they've backed the CRC 100 per cent and I'm so grateful."