A LOCAL branch of the Children's Society has been nominated for a national accolade in recognition of its service to the charity.

The Great Ayton branch has made the shortlist for the Children's Society Star Awards, after raising thousands of pounds this year to help vulnerable youngsters. The winner will be announced at a ceremony at Liverpool Cathedral on September 29.

Nominees are selected for their tireless work for the charity, whether going beyond the call of duty, showing great leadership or achieving outstanding fundraising results.

The Great Ayton branch, led by Marina Charlton, has raised £6,425.23 this year, much of which has been ploughed back into the local area.

The group raises money by holding regular events. In February, it held a box-opening event, where villagers brought containers they had used to save up one and two-pence pieces and open them, giving the contents to the committee to donate to the Children's Society.

The group also held a Lent lunch on St David's Day and undertook a house-to-house collection.

In May, members organised a cake-bake on Great Ayton's village green. In June, it hosted a flower demonstration and provided supper.

Mrs Charlton said: "We are a committee of ten people. I have been involved with it for a lot of years. The committee is excellent.

"We all work together to think of ideas. Some are tried and tested and we have been doing them for years. Others are relatively new. It is a group effort."