A working mum from Hitchin was shocked to learn this week that she has been nominated for this year’s Comet Community Awards after helping raise thousands of pounds for a school campaign.

Mum of two Faye Silver has been put forward for the Valiant Volunteer category – backed by Stevenage-based lead sponsors Roaring Meg – for the amazing work she does with the parent teacher association at Wilshere-Dacre Academy in Hitchin.

She was also responsible for the last year’s must-have accessory – the ‘I Love Hitchin’ bag which raised nearly £10,000 to help fund the restoration of the Fishponds Road school’s landmark clock tower.

Despite working as a client service manager at Raymond James Investment Services in Hitchin’s Bancroft, she has still found time to help improve the school’s profile – and double the money the PTA has raised in general.

Faye – who is an integral part of the school’s PTA as the chair of Partners of Wilshere-Dacre Academy – said: “I’m thrilled and a bit gobsmacked to be nominated for the Valiant Volunteer category.

“I really didn’t expect this – I’ll have to go out and buy a new frock if I make the final!

“I’m just really pleased to help the school and I’m grateful for the support from colleagues at Raymond James.

“A lot of people care about this wonderful school, and to help in any way is nice. We try to bring the parents, carers and staff together to make our children’s time here better – and bring the school community together with this goal in mind.

“The success of the I Love Hitchin bag has been pleasing. It shows what can happen when a community comes together for a cause.

“To have seen my idea copied is testament to its popularity.”

Faye has also helped organise a Christmas fayre, family bingo night, film evenings and summer barbecues for POWA.

Wilshere-Dacre receptionist Kam Sandhu, who nominated Faye, added: “She’s fantastic. She’s so full of energy and ideas.”

Finalists chosen by a panel of judges will be invited to ceremony held in May at the Icknield Centre in Letchworth.