A grandmother-of-eight and tireless volunteer has been named as this year’s Tiptonian of the Year.

Karen Simms became the 20th person to receive the award during a ceremony on Saturday, beating nine other nominees to the title.

Karen, aged 45, of Alexandra Road, has been a member of Tipton Community Association for five years. She is a serving committee member helping to organise events such as Tipton Carnival and Tipton Canal Festival as well as fun days in the town and the festive sleigh run.

Karen, who is married and has four children, is also a qualified childcare worker, runs a mother and toddler group, volunteers at St Paul’s Primary School and helps at a youth group on the Tibbington estate.

Betty Shinton, who has been a Girl Guide leader in the town for more than 40 years, was runner-up.

She was nominated by Shelagh Ashford, Rev Ken Gowland and the leaders of the 3rd Tipton Guide Association who described her as an unsung hero.

Read the full story in the Express & Star.