A VOLUNTEER who dedicates her spare time to helping women in Middlesbrough feel safe when they are out at night has been nominated for the prestigious Coronation Champions Awards.

Beth McLean, 31, from Middlesbrough, juggles her job in the civil service with her role as director of Women's Street Watch Middlesbrough CIC.

The awards are being held to celebrate the Coronation of His Majesty The King and Her Majesty The Queen Consort.

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With the support of the Queen Consort, a passionate advocate of volunteering and President of Royal Voluntary Service, the Coronation Champions awards are set to recognise exceptional volunteers from across the country at this momentous point in history.

Beth set up Women's Street Watch Middlesbrough CIC 18 months ago to support women to stay safe when out in the city at night.

Beth and the team of volunteers she manages, patrol the city on Friday and Saturday nights from 10pm-2am, helping reduce instances of sexual violence and harassment against women and offering a physical presence on the streets.

Beth and her team also speak in schools and at local events to raise awareness of women’s safety issues.

Going further still, in response to the cost of living crisis, Beth recently started a monthly Community Affordability Day, where people can pick up preloved clothes, hot drinks and toiletries free of charge.

She also runs a monthly smart wear drop-in, offering women a chance to pick up pre-loved smart clothes if they have any interviews coming up.

Beth is now in the running to become one of a total of 500 volunteers, who will be selected as the nation’s Coronation Champions and invited to attend one of the official Coronation celebrations.

As well as receiving an invite to one of the official events, such as the Windsor Castle Coronation Concert or a Coronation Garden Party, all 500 Champions, will also receive a specially designed, official Coronation Champions pin and a certificate signed by His Majesty The King and Her Majesty The Queen Consort.

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Beth said: “It would mean so much to receive the award. It wouldn't just be my award – it would be the volunteers’ awards too, as they are the heart and soul of Women's Street Watch Middlesbrough CIC.

"Violence against women and girls makes the world a scary place as a woman, so being able to give this provision to other people is a really rewarding thing to do. I've also met friends for life during the process.”

Nominations for the Coronation Champions Awards will close on Sunday, April 2. To nominate a volunteer for the Coronation Champions Awards, visit: www.royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk/coronation-champions-awards.