TIRELESSLY devoting her time to helping the lonely, isolated and disabled overcome their difficulties has seen one woman recognised with a national honour.

Jane Newton, from Tenbury Wells, has been given a British Citizen Award for her services to the community.

She has dedicated her whole professional life to giving emotional and practical support to people, who not only have financial difficulties but personal difficulties too.

While living in Australia for 30 years, she helped set up TheNeighboursPlace where needy and often deprived people could go for help.

Although a No Interest Loans Scheme was already set up in Australia, Mrs Newton helped bring the service into the charity.

After moving back to England, Mrs Newton independently set up Tenbury No Interest Loans Scheme (NILS) in 2009, and became a registered charity in 2013.

Mrs Newton said: “I feel very privileged and humbled to be honoured with a British Citizen Award - I just enjoy doing what I’m doing, helping others within the community.

“By setting up the No Interest Loan Scheme my aim was to help the vulnerable and disadvantaged to resolve their own difficulties.

"I believe strongly in inclusion rather than exclusion, giving people opportunities that they might not have otherwise, and making a big difference to their lives.”

Having fostered 25 children, one of which she adopted and brought back to the England in 2003, Mrs Newton also leads a group of community supporters during Christmas where they appeal for, collect and distribute festive foods, toys and Christmas trees to households in need.

She is also a debt adviser and general supervisor for Citizen Advice Bureau and manages the Tenbury Wells emergency food relief bank.

Jill Hudson, who nominated her friend for the award, said: “She is worthy of notice because of her selflessness, her commitment to others and especially because of the practical help and relief she brings to so many people who would otherwise have nowhere to turn.

"The amount of distress and suffering that has been allayed is remarkable and for this, Jane must take the credit.

“I think her biggest impact has been, and continues to be on a daily basis, the difference she makes to the lives of needy individuals. I am so pleased that her tireless and constant support of needful people within our community, and beyond, has been recognised in this way.”