A SELFESS and tireless volunteer - who founded a fundraising branch for St Michael’s Hospice - has been recognised by Powys county council with a civic award for exceptional service.

Elizabeth George set up the charity fund in her native Knighton, and has since recruited volunteers raised thousands of pounds for the Hereford hospice.

She also raised more than £9,000 last year alone in her role as chairman of Knighton MacMillan Support Group, helps transport elderly residents to lunch clubs and hospital appointments and has collected literally tonnes of clothing and household items for those in need in Romania.

Mrs George was honoured with a Silver Kite Award recognising her endeavours, during a reception at this month’s 2014 Royal Welsh Winter Fair.

Powys council chairman Roche Davies said: “All four individuals who received awards are great ambassadors for the county and I am delighted to publicly recognise these achievements.

“It gives me great pleasure to present these awards.”

Mrs George was joined by fellow Kite Award winners Commonwealth Games judo star Kirsty Powell, renonwned sheepdog trainer Kevin Evans, and Les Jones, who has helped raise more than £100,000 in 40 years of poppy collections for the British Legion.

Each winner was nominated by members of their community of county councillors.