A GRANDMOTHER-of-five has been nominated for her service to the community in the Comet Community Awards.

Jenny Mason, who lives in Stagenhoe Park, St Paul’s Walden, is “an inspiration to all”, according to friend Sam Newby-Ricci.

The annual Community Awards honour those who go that extra mile to help others, including charity workers, volunteers, teachers and parents.

Those nominated and subsequently shortlisted will be invited to a ceremony in May.

Jenny has been recognised by Sam for her work as a volunteer for various organisations, including the North Herts branch of walking charity the Ramblers.

“Jenny is a rambler, but not a typical rambler,” explained Sam. “She only joined the charity two years ago, when she was bought a gift membership, but in that time she has transformed the North Herts group into one of the fastest growing ramblers’ groups in the country.”

She has increased its popularity by introducing a series of walks which have been tailored specifically for dogs and their owners.

The first year of her membership saw Jenny lead just five walks. In her second year this has increased to a walk a week.

Jenny’s volunteering with the Ramblers is only part of what she delivers in the community.

She has been involved in the setting up of a youth club in Whitwell, which takes place every Monday.

She is also a member of WOW – Women of Whitwell, has played a key part in getting Messy Church at All Saints in St Paul’s Walden off the ground, and volunteers once a week at the Digswell Riding School for the Disabled.

From her orchard, she has made 450 bottles of apple juice, which have been sold to raise funds for the riding school and for her local church. She is looking forward to doing the same again this year.

“I wouldn’t change it for the world. I am very lucky,” said Jenny. “There’s very little that I won’t have a go at and, if it’s not being done, I don’t question why not, I ask if I can help.”

This year’s awards are in association with Garden Square Shopping Centre in Letchworth GC, and are sponsored by North Hertfordshire College, North Hertfordshire Homes, Specsavers and VW of Letchworth.

Colin Bell, centre manager of Garden Square Shopping Centre, said: “The centre has this year, with great pride, become the main sponsor of the Community Awards hosted by the Comet.

“Having sponsored a category before, I felt this year that the Garden Square Shopping Centre could go a step further to ensure the people of Letchworth GC who put so much time, effort and dedication into helping others are recognised in the most appropriate way, and the Comet’s Community Awards is the perfect answer.”

For more information about the awards, including a full list of categories, and to make a nomination, visit www.thecomet24.co.uk/communityawards