A GRANDMOTHER-OF-NINE who is helping to spearhead a £52m revival of a Middlesbrough estate is to receive an OBE for her community work.

Joan Ford, from the West Lane area of town, will be presented with the award at Buckingham Palace tomorrow in front of her daughter Lin and two of her grandchildren, Toni-Marie and Stephanie.

The 63-year-old has worked tirelessly to improve the lives of thousands of people in West Lane, Whinney Banks and Newport, and is the chairwoman of West Middlesbrough Neighbourhood Trust (WMNT), which manages the £52m New Deal for Communities (NDC) regeneration programme.

As well as her role with WMNT, she is involved in a range of other community organisations including West Lane Residents' Association and Neighbourhood Watch.

She also organises days out and social events for pensioners' groups and children, and was a key campaigner for the demolition of the former Blind School, in Stockton Road.

Mrs Ford said: "I am absolutely thrilled to get this award. I think everyone at West Middlesbrough Neighbourhood Trust should take a share in this honour because we have all played a part in this hard but rewarding job.

"I have always been heavily involved in the community but in the last few years I feel I've been able to make a real difference to people's lives and that's what it's all about."

WMNT director, Jan Sinclair said: "I have been privileged to work with Joan over the last four years and her award is totally deserved.

"She has dedicated herself to the trust and its work and is a true champion of the people of west Middlesbrough."