A CHARITY worker who has devoted much of her life to helping others has been highly commended in the unsung hero category in the Pride of Essex Awards.

Mary Green, 82, has spent 39 years volunteering at Acorn Village in Mistley which helps people with learning disabilities by running charity shops in Manningtree and Brightlingsea.

Mrs Green said she still enjoyed volunteering, even if she cannot find much time for herself.

“I still do it because I like it and it is my way of keeping my late husband Denzil, who set up Acorn Village, stay remembered.

“That is what keeps me going.

“Sometimes it is a 24 hour day job but I have been very lucky with my health and I couldn’t do it without a team of volunteers I work with but my car probably knows the way to Manningtree and Brightlingsea by itself.”