A CHAMPION of the community has been recognised for her decades of service in Clifton.

Marjorie Sharp, 72, has spent much of her life helping others.

In recognition of this, she has received a Community Pride nomination for Volunteer of the Year following her years of dedication to Clifton Residents Association, cookery work at Clifton Green Primary School's Hope Cafe and summer work at church.

She was also well known throughout the area for her sowing shop, in Burton Stone Lane, which she ran until her husband passed away.

Friend Gemma Long, of Kingsway North, Clifton, nominated Mrs Sharp.

She said: "Marj is every child's stand in grandma! She's simply amazing.

"Everyone knows Marj in Clifton. She is old school. The kids from all backgrounds respect and love her because they know what she has done and continues to do for Clifton.

"She has been chairman and vice chairman before that for many, many years.

"She helps during summer at her church. She cooks at the Hope Cafe every Thursday. She makes costumes for the kids, she babysits her granddaughter and is involved in basically every volunteering project in Clifton.

"I don't understand how she can fit it all in."

The mum-of-one's dedication to her community was rewarded by City of York Council last year when she was given an award for her voluntary work.

Volunteers attended a Guildhall ceremony where they spoke about their experiences and received a certificate from former council leader James Alexander.

All Community Pride nominees must live in, or contribute to life in, the City of York Council area. Around three finalists from each category will be invited to the awards ceremony at York Racecourse in October, when the winners will be revealed.

You can make a nomination online at yorkpress.co.uk/pride/ before Friday, July 17, and please include a picture.