A WOMAN from Newton Aycliffe has had her work in the community rewarded.

For 35 years, Rene Robson has been working with the Women's Royal Voluntary Service (WRVS) to help people in the community.

Yesterday, she was awarded the service's long service medal and clasp for 35 years service with the WRVS home library service.

She began with the clothing bank in 1969 and later helped to provide Meals on Wheels.

When she later realised that many housebound people were unable to attend their local library, she started to deliver books to a small number of them in their homes.

The service quickly grew and now has six other volunteers, and offers two delivery rounds in the Newton Aycliffe area.

Durham County Council chairman Councillor Alan Fenwick presented the award at a ceremony at the Annfield Plain Library, near Stanley.