WHETHER she is cooking for disadvantaged people in her community or dropping off flowers to those feeling unwell, Hilary Coleman is happy to help in any way she can.

The 56-year-old is known throughout her home village of Ironville for her good work and lending a helping hand, particularly at busy times such as Christmas.

Now she has been recognised by her friends for volunteering for community projects and her regular attendance at safer neighbourhood meetings, along with her support for her church.

They have nominated her for a Derby Telegraph Community Champions award.

Hilary, of The Park, Codnor Park, said: "I like to get involved with the community but I don't think about it deeply.

"I don't like to think of people going without, which is why I try to do what I can to help them.

"I've never felt like a hero doing these things, I've just always got on and done it.

"That's why I feel really overwhelmed to be nominated for a Community Champions award."

Hilary, the wife of former Derbyshire Police Chief Constable David Coleman, said she had always tried to be involved in the community.

She will either cook for families who need extra support or try to take them food, and has been known to collect logs for households without heating.

During the Christmas period, she took an electric heater to a family in need and took part in the church's Christmas carol concert.

Hilary, who works part-time at Ironville Children's Centre, has also worked as a volunteer for several organisations, including the Derbyshire Association for the Blind and charity Umbrella, which supports parents with disabled children.

She said she also likes to buy flowers for people in the village who she finds out are feeling down or unwell and buys clothing and other essentials to give to those in need.

Hilary, who recently became a grandmother, was nominated for a Community Champions award by friend and colleague Sharon Hall.

Sharon, 25, of Hollyhouse Drive, South Normanton, said: "Hilary is a good friend and she makes us all laugh every day. She gives good advice and listens really well to any problems. She has been involved in the community for many years, and deserves recognition."

The Derby Telegraph has teamed up with BBC Radio Derby, Derbyshire Building Society, Derby City Council and Derby County Football Club to launch the Community Champions awards.

On Sunday May 16, our 14 winners will be invited to a ceremony at Pride Park Stadium , where local celebrities will award their prizes.

Nomination forms can be found on www.thisisderbyshire.co.uk/champions or www.bbc.co.uk/derby. They are also in some copies of the Derby Telegraph, or can be collected from BBC Radio Derby, in St Helen's Street, Derby, and from Derbyshire Building Society branches.

They should be sent to Caroline Jones, Community Champions, Derby Evening Telegraph, Northcliffe House, Meadow Road, Derby DE1 2BH by Friday, April 2.