Tang Hall's Winnie is York's Local Hero 2000

Winnie, 74, has lived in the same house in Tang Hall Lane all her life and like her mother before her has always played an active role in keeping the community together.

In her "clapped-out old banger" she regularly goes shopping for disabled friends and acts as an ambulance service for those who need to keep hospital appointments.

The former insurance clerk and Brownie pack leader even makes bacon butties for the bin men on Mondays.

She said: "Tang Hall hasn't got a very good name but our part of the lane has no trouble and the kids are lovely and very polite.

"Whenever there's a big event like the Queen Mother's birthday which is coming up I hold a party in my back garden for all the local kids.

"I help the old folks if they can't get out for their pensions and I take them to hospital in my car if needs be.

"Baking is a passion of mine so I bake all sorts of sponge cakes and Christmas cakes for my friends."

More than 100 people were nominated for the York award and Winnie was nominated by her great niece, Jade Starkey, six.

Jade's mum, Sharon Maw, said: "She does so much for the community even though she's got arthritis and, of course, despite her age.

"She even provides meals and a cup of tea for the dustbin men and they reward her with presents at Christmas.

"She treats Jade like a daughter."

Carole Turnbull, customer services manager for ASDA, said: "Winnie is an example to everyone - her passion and caring is inspiring and something we should all feel privileged to share."

Winnie received a bunch of flowers, a bottle of champagne, a £10 gift voucher and £100 to give to the charity of her choice.

In true Winnie style, the flowers will be donated to a nearby home for the elderly and the champagne will be shared with some of her many friends.

PICTURE: INSPIRING: Community "hero" Winnie Starkey, of Tang Hall Lane, York, with some of the prizes presented by Asda Picture: Paul Baker