THE town branch of Age Concern has nominated Redditch Council for a prestigious award in recognition of the support it has given the charity.

The wife of founder Age Concern member Edgar Jones donated the J Edgar Jones award 10 years ago and the figurine has since been awarded to organisations that have helped others in Redditch and the district over a 12-month period.

The "caring council" has also been nominated for helping initiate other charities in the district including Shopmobility, Dial-a-Ride, Redditch Community Transport, Redditch Council for Voluntary Service and Lifeline Alarm System, as well as introducing concessionary bus fares for pensioners and disabled people.

Age Concern's honorary secretary Charles Stallard said: "These are concessions that all local authorities could introduce if they so wished, but many fail to do so.

"Therefore it is in our opinion that Redditch has one of the most caring councils in the country and deserves recognition for its community spirit. Long may it survive."

Age Concern's visiting friends co-ordinator Pat Hill said: "The council has been instrumental over the past year in helping us carry on with what we do at Age Concern and is probably one of the best local authorities that deals with the elderly."

A council spokesman said: "We are very grateful for their commendation and nomination.

"From the resources available, Redditch Council does all it can to provide the best range of resources and services for older people in the borough."

The award will be presented at Age Concern's Annual meeting on Friday, October 20, at 11am.