AN ‘inspirational community hero’ has been named as Rossendale Woman of the Year 2017.

Carole Watchorn from Crawshawbooth was honoured for the work she has done as chairman of Friends Reminisce which provides reminiscence and art therapy sessions to older people and people in the early stages of dementia and their carers.

She works alongside Dementia Friendly Rossendale and is a Dementia Friends champion, which enables her to give talks to different groups such as Brownies and Guides to raise awareness and understanding of the condition.

She has also been liaison officer on the committee of the Limey Valley Residents Association which helped with the Olympic torch bearing procession by involving the schools to grow golden marigolds in preparation of the event.

She said “I’m still getting over the shock of winning such a prestigious award and against such strong opposition as well.

"I’m delighted to be given the opportunity to raise awareness about dementia and am looking forward to the year ahead.”

Mrs Watchorn is also chairman of St James the Less Luncheon Club which is held once a month in the Parish Centre and organises a charity tea dance event which takes place at the centre several times in the year.

A total of £4,890 was raised for Rossendale Hospice at the award ceremony.

Fundraising manager Sam Morris said: “This year we had a record number of 24 nominations which highlights just how much is contributed by women throughout our community.

"It does, however make it much harder for our special events committee, who organise the event to choose the finalists.

The other finalists included Alison de Vial, Benda Bottomley and Denise Dot.

Roland Hailwood was the MC for the event while CFH Solutions, Sheen Byrom, AJM Photography, Melt with Love and Boot-ique have also been thanked by the hospice for taking part.