DRESSING up as a Smurf may have been one of the strangest things Susan Kirkland has done in her drive to help people in her community.

But, in a period of more than 40 years which has seen her give up her time for others, it is one of the most memorable.

From raising around £200,000 for Cancer Research UK to helping rally support for a new kitchen in the Little Eaton OAP Hall, Susan's life has never been a quiet one.

The 63-year-old said her work in the community was extremely rewarding because it was her way of getting involved and making friends.

Now her friend Richard Comrie believes she deserves recognition for her efforts and has nominated her for a Derby Telegraph Community Champions Award.

Susan, of Barley Close, Little Eaton, said she was delighted to have been put forward.

She said: "I always enjoy doing things for other people and getting involved with charity and community work was something I started doing when my children started school.

"About 30 years ago, I remember dressing up as a Smurf at a senior citizens' do in Chaddesden Park. Me and my friends handed around cakes in our costumes. I am thrilled about the nomination because it makes you feel appreciated."

In 1981, Susan and some of her friends started the Derwent Friends Imperial Cancer Research Group, which is thought to have raised £200,000 for Cancer Research UK. She is also treasurer for Little Eaton OAP club and Little Eaton Players.

As well as fund-raising for the Little Eaton carnival, Susan is chairman of the ladies' committee of Derby Motor Boat Club, which has raised thousands of pounds for the Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Rutland Air Ambulance.

Susan said she spent around 15 hours a week doing community work.

In between her voluntary activities, she works part-time at a newsagents in Little Eaton and visits and does shopping for her 99-year-old mother Clarice in Leicester.

Susan said: "My mother is bedridden and needs carers so I try to help when I can.''

Friend Richard, 65, of Chestnut Avenue, Derby, met Susan through her husband and the Derby Motor Boat Club. He said: "Whenever I see her, she is always doing something and the fact that it is usually to help others is what makes her so special.

"She's an absolute gem because she never pushes herself forward but she always offers her help and support."

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

On Sunday, May 16, our 14 winners will be invited to a ceremony at Pride Park Stadium. Nomination forms can be found at 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 and Derbyshire Building Society.

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