A HARD-WORKING community leader who has helped turned a Bournemouth estate’s fortunes around has been honoured by Bournemouth’s First Citizen.

Claire Geraghty, who gives up around 32 hours a week to vital volunteering work, has received the Mayor’s Volunteer of the Year Award.

The public-spirited mum-of-three chairs Townsend Community Association, a charity which runs the community centre in Jewell Road seven days a week. She has helped secure funding for the estate’s play worker and served up hot meals for the elderly during the winter months. Claire also chairs the Townsend Together Team project.

The 40-year-old, who lives in Townsend, was presented with her honour by Mayor Cllr Phil Stanley-Watts who said: “Claire is a worthy recipient of my volunteer of the year award.

“She gives up so much of her time to local residents and is the main contact on the estate; she is a shining example of how much difference volunteering can make.”

Speaking after receiving her award, Claire said: “I’m absolutely thrilled; it was a complete surprise but it makes it all worthwhile. I was close to tears; my three teenage children are so proud of their mum.” The runner-up award went to Daniel Howell who helps to prepare and deliver buffets to the CRUMBS Project in Boscombe, working at least three days a week.

The Mayor’s volunteer group of the year went to the Next Generation Steering Group which helps run peer support groups for young victims of bullying and racism.

The runners-up award went to the Project Purple Volunteers who provide courses and arrange a variety of activities for the elderly