DIANE ANDREWES NOMINATED AS VOLUNTEER HERO

6.30.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Thu 26th Jun 2008

Diane Andrewes of the Eastleigh Southern Parishes Older People's Forum (ESPOPF) was nominated today as a Volunteer Hero during a special meeting held at the House of Commons.

Mrs Andrewes was nominated by Eastleigh MP Chris Huhne (both pictured here) for her work with ESPOPF in championing older people in the borough, notably with ground-breaking research on pensioner needs and aspirations.

The award is organised by the Experience Corps, which aims to promote volunteering among the retired so that their commitment and expertise is not lost.

Mr Huhne said; "Mrs Andrewes is a doughty champion of older people in Eastleigh, ensuring that their needs and views are not overlooked. Everybody concerned with public policy in the borough - county and borough councillors as well - cites Mrs Andrewes as a key player.

"By giving older people a real voice, Mrs Andrewes has helped make our community stronger and more aware of all its residents. ESPOPF also plays an invaluable role in bringing older people together to talk about concerns of common interest".

Mrs Andrewes said: "I am very pleased to be nominated as it is recognition for all the work that ESPOPF members have done for older people in the southern parishes, and I pay tribute to them all".