A community stalwart who has been working to improve the lives of people on a Bilston estate for 45 years has been named an Express & Star Local Hero.

Ann Nightingale, of Dartmouth Crescent, has been recognised for her work on the Lunt estate.

The 69-year-old is chairman of Lunt Tenants and Residents’ Association and helps to run activities at Lunt Community Centre in Lunt Road, where she also cooks and cleans for pensioners’ luncheon clubs.

The grandmother of 13 and great-grandmother of four has lent her support to numerous other campaigns on the estate.

“People say there’s only Gordon Brown who’s in the paper more than I am,” said Ann.

“When I moved on to the estate I had two young kids and I looked around and thought, my God, if I’m going to bring my family up here it’s got to change. I wouldn’t do it if I didn’t enjoy it.”

Ann Ramsbottom, 56, secretary of the Lunt Tenants and Residents Association, said: “We’re just so pleased for her and she deserves everything she gets.”

The Express & Star Local Hero awards is run in conjunction with Wolverhampton Wanderers Football Club and Birmingham Midshires.