A DEDICATED charity worker has made the final of a national award scheme.

Lyn Mead has has been shortlisted as a regional finalist along with two others from Hayling Island and Dorset, in the Inspirational Generation scheme, a nationwide competition to find and reward those over 60 with an inspiring story to tell.

The 67-year-old has volunteered at Age Concern for over 20 years, supporting the branch in Tadley with numerous activities from lunch clubs to pedicure workshops. She even runs a toenail cutting service, which has become so successful that local doctors refer their clients who have issues with their feet.

The Inspirational Generation competition has been organised by retirement housebuilder, McCarthy and Stone, and in in June, one national winner will be selected by a panel of judges including TV and radio personality, Gloria Hunniford, and awarded a cash prize of £2,000.

Nine regional winners will also each receive £200 to be donated to their charity of choice and a £50 hamper.

Mrs Mead said: “I decided to enter the search for the Inspirational Generation because I thought it would be a great opportunity to tell others about the volunteer work that I do and to recognise the achievements of older people. We have a wealth of knowledge and experience that the younger generations can benefit from.

“Personally, I enjoy my volunteer work supporting the local branch of Age Concern as well as helping to run a weekly lunch club. I also run a toenail cutting service for elderly people who are unable to get down to cut their toenails and hard skin.

"This service has become very popular, we now run six to eight surgeries a month which are always full with a waiting list.”

Kim Caldwell, Regional Sales and Marketing Director for McCarthy and Stone Southern, said: “Shortlisting was an incredibly difficult task and we are thrilled that Mrs Mead is one of the regional finalists in McCarthy and Stone’s southern region.

"Our congratulations go to our finalists for getting the recognition they deserve and we wish them all the best of luck in the next stage of the competition.”