An inspiration to all who know her

She was among nine nominees put forward for the award, introduced 11 years ago. The scheme rewards the town's unsung heroes for their voluntary community efforts.

Mabel received her prize - a shield, certificate and bouquet of flowers - at a presentation evening in the Temple Row disabled people's centre, Keighley, on Monday. Each nominee was awarded a certificate.

Despite being blind for more than 30 years, Mabel has refused to let the disability prevent her from leading an active life and her achievements are remarkable.

She qualified as a lay preacher in 1979 after studying text books in braille and teaching herself to type. She regularly preaches at St Mark's Church, Utley.

She has been an official speaker with Guide Dogs for the Blind for nearly 30 years and gives regular talks at schools and to local organisations. She also assists with fundraising.

Mabel, vice-chairman of Keighley blind association, was a driving force behind the pioneering resource centre and was instrumental in setting up a successful handicrafts class.

Jean Allam, who nominated her for the award, says: "Having experienced the problems of sight loss herself, she is dedicated to helping others in the same situation. To that end Mabel is sharing with others in seeking new ways of developing and improving services to the blind and partially-sighted in her community. She is an inspiration to all who know her - an example of how to live life to the full despite being disabled."

Modest Mabel told us immediately after the presentation: "I feel I do not deserve it. I am honoured and overwhelmed. I never dreamed I would receive an award. It's wonderful."

Monday's ceremony was chaired by Val Mills, who helped instigate the awards scheme when she was with the old Keighley Council for Voluntary Service. She now works for Burnley council.

Other nominees were:

Nancy Wilkinson, from SHAPE. Nancy, a retired nurse, leads exercise and relaxation classes every Monday and Wednesday and gives health advice

Janet Collis, a volunteer driver. She transports people of all ages including youngsters on school runs and the elderly shopping and to bingo. She was nominated by her five-year-old step grand-daughter

Graham Mitchell, chairman of the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway. For his unstinting work with the railway over 25 years and for Keighley Bus Museum in the past year. He was also instrumental in establishing the Haworth Hoppa

Pauline Chapman. Despite multiple disabilities, she played a major role as secretary of Woodhouse and Springbank Community Association. Now she is secretary of the new Keighley community arts partnership and is trying to form a new group of community volunteers

Ted Stowell. In addition to his work at the disabled people's centre, he organises canal cruises for the disabled in his spare time and serves on various committees

Mohammed Saleem. A voluntary worker with the Citizen's Advice Bureau, chairman of Keighley Racial Equality Council, founder member of the Ittehaad community association, established the first Asian neighbourhood forum in Lawkholme, and a volunteer with the victim support scheme

Jean Watts. For her unstinting work with the Salvation Army in Keighley. Every day she performs tasks for the church, from preparing meals to sorting jumble

Mohammed Rashid Hashmi, a founder member of Keighley Muslim Association. During his term as treasurer, the association completed England's third purpose-built mosque through community self-help. He became treasurer of the Sangat Community Association in 1994, and developed various projects for the community.

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