Published at 16:26, Friday, 12 October 2012

A WOMAN from Grange has been invited to meet the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall at an event which will honour volunteering achievement.

ACHIEVEMENT: Zelma Hallett pictured with Denise Robertson, TV presenter and Chris Graham, WRVS head of services in the North East and Cumbria. Inset, the Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall

WRVS volunteer Zelma Hallatt is among 10 people from the North East and Cumbria who received a Diamond Champions award for their outstanding volunteer work.

Diamond Champions, run by older people’s charity WRVS, recognises the contribution that people over the age of 60 make through volunteering.

More than 200 people from the North East and Cumbria were nominated as Diamond Champions.

The 10 Diamond Champions, chosen by a regional judging panel, were presented with a specially designed Diamond Champions pin at a celebratory event at Auckland Castle on October 10.

They will now also receive a certificate signed by Their Royal Highnesses, who are joint Patrons of the awards.

The 10 Diamond Champions from the North East and Cumbria will join 70 others from across the UK at the event held at St James’s Palace next month.

Mrs Hallatt, 81, has worked tirelessly for 43 years volunteering in many different capacities. She volunteers on the wards of Westmorland hospital, as well as running a trolley service at a local nursing home. She is also circuit stewart for five churches, as well as caring for a friend at all hours of the day or night.

In addition, Zelma delivers Books on Wheels and befriends ex-prisoners.

Chris Graham, WRVS head of services in the North East and Cumbria, said: “This is a fantastic way to recognise the work of these volunteers, who make such a difference to the lives of others in their community.’’

Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk