Judges were so impressed with 89-year-old Kath Dewhirst’s nomination that they created a special award just for her because she did not fit any of the other categories.

Described as the “heart and soul” of Idle village she has run a garment alteration shop there for 32 years.

She has been robbed three times and mugged once on the way back from work but has never given up and refuses to retire because she does not want to let anyone down, said those who nominated her.