THE head of a remarkable family with five generations living in York has been nominated for a Community Pride award for her years of caring.

Dorreen Hicks, 84, is a mother of three, a grandmother of six, a great-grandmother of eight and great-great-grandmother of two, and inspires them all with her caring and energetic outlook from her home on Barfield Road.

Her daughter and son-in-law Gail and Steve Meek have put forward Dorreen - known as Grampy to friends and family - for the Parent of the Year award.

Steve said: "Grampy is 84 years young and the family revolves around her. She has never let any of us down if we need her help or advice, and even though she has a few medical problems still does all her own shopping.

"You can never put into words all the love she gives and her energy for life, she goes out nearly every day, either down town or to visit one of her many friends or family for a cuppa and a biscuit or four.

"When we tell her to slow down her words are 'that's only for the old people' and 'I will keep going as long as my legs will take me'."

And it's not just family who Mrs Hicks makes time for. She makes a weekly bus trip Ryedale and always has time for a chat with the drivers, who know her simply as "Grampy".

"Most of the shops around York and Malton know her and she is well loved as she is such a character and full of fun," Steve added.

Dorreen, who has lived in York almost all her life, said she inherited her loving nature from her own mother.

She said: "My mum always told us to look out for each other.

"Family is very important and I always try to find time to listen to them and give them advice. No matter what their troubles are I do my best for them."

She said it feels "very nice" to be nominated for the award by her family.

"It means an awful lot to know my family all care for me," Mrs Hicks added.

Do you have a mum or dad in a million? The Press's Community Pride awards are looking for York's Parent of the Year and need your nominations for mums, dads, foster parents and guardians who are always there for their family.

The awards, sponsored by Benenden Health, recognise the unsung heroes of York whose dedication and selflessness make the city a better place to be. To make a nomination or for more information go to yorkpress.co.uk/pride.