A BARNTON woman who went the extra mile to help others and support her community has been presented with a prestigious award.

Angela Robinson recieved the first Vale Royal Community Champion award from Vale Royal Mayor Clr Doug Shingler. Angela, of Townfield Lane, was nominated by borough councillor Roy Garton.

As a member of Barnton Parish Council and secretary of the Nursery Road Recreation Ground, Angela raised more than £300,000 in grants and donations.

This money has been used to transform the recreation ground from a grassy field into a skateboard park, a basketball court and two five-a-side grass football pitches. There is also an attractive new play area for children.

The decision on who should receive the award was made by Clr Doug Shingler, Mrs Pam Shingler, Deputy Mayor Clr Malcolm Gaskill, chief executive of Vale Royal Borough Council Anne Bingham-Holmes, David Duffy from Cheshire FM and Christine Pickthall from Vale Royal Disability Services.

Clr Doug Shingler explained why Angela was chosen from the superb set of finalists.

He said: "Angela has done some incredible work over the past five years.

"Her continued commitment to Barnton Parish Council and the Nursery Road Recreation Ground makes Angela a great Community Champion."

Angela said: "I always feel a bit reluctant to accept an award. It is never one person, it is always a team effort but I did do the majority of grant applications.

"The recreation ground is brilliant and has been a pleasure to work on."