A COMMUNITY hero has been named Rossendale’s Woman of the Year for her work in local healthcare and volunteering.

Anne Tighe was honoured with the award at a special ceremony at the Red Hall Hotel, in Bury, where over 80 of the Valley’s finest turned out to celebrate the achievements of Rossendale’s most outstanding women and to raise funds for Rossendale Hospice.

Anne has had a long and active career in the NHS and is currently chairwoman of her residents’ association.

She is group leader for Age UK and runs a group for elderly people, organising regular meetings, activities and social outings, often involving the collection of the individuals.

Anne also volunteers for Cruise bereavement counselling as well as Victim Support at Crown Court and has volunteered for the Samaritans and been an active member of the Soroptomists.

As well as her many charitable commitments, Anne is an active member of Rossendale Ladies Choir as both singer and wardrobe mistress and has also learned sign language to enable her to sign to the public.

Belinda Evans, special events chairwoman at Rossendale Hospice, said: “All the finalists were very worthy nominees. We were delighted by the nominations received, which highlighted the work that women all over Rossendale contribute.

“Congratulations to Anne, the award is a thank you on behalf of the community for the volunteer work that she does.

“It was a fabulous day. I’d like to thank the 80 ladies who came to support us, and in doing so helped to raise almost £3,880 in one afternoon, which is truly remarkable.

“Special thanks go to the rest of the team on the Special Events Committee, MC Mike Chapman, The Red Hall for their sponsorship, CFH Design who sponsor all our design work and to AJM photography as well as the guests who made the day so special.”

The other finalists nominated for their work in the community were Kate Crane and Hameeda Mahmood, who were presented with bouquets from last year’s winner, Louise Cooper.

For over a decade Rossendale Hospice has recognised and celebrated the achievements of remarkable women from the area at their annual Woman of the Year award ceremony.

Guests at this year’s event were treated to entertainment from Billy Arnold, a three-course meal, raffles and a fantastic speech by Irene Divine, a local lady who is an ex-superintendent and member of Soroptomist International.