A LONG-serving district nurse and charity worker has been named Chirk’s Citizen of the Year.

Tricia Kendrick was presented with the honour at Chirk Parish Hall on Monday evening in recognition of the work she has done over the years.

The 81-year-old who worked for more than 40 years as a district nurse has since raised thousands of pounds for a wide range of charities through selling pickles and chutneys.

Despite being happy to receive the award, Tricia insists she has only ever done it to help others when she can.

“I couldn’t really believe it was me they were talking about tonight,” she said. “I’ve done it for 50 years, so I have just been doing it automatically.

“I don’t do it for recognition, I’ve been so pleased to give it to charity – it’s been my pleasure, as was the nursing career I had. I’ve enjoyed every minute of my life.

“It’s lovely – really, really lovely. I haven’t got Facebook, but my cousin showed me hundreds of lovely comments from people in the area [after the win was announced] which is so nice. I delivered some of these people and I’ve known them all their lives – I never did it for thanks, but it’s been really nice to see people appreciate it.”

Chirk Town Council chairman Councillor Brian Colley presented her with the award and thanked her for her efforts. He also mentioned a special thanks from Hope House Hospice after she raised more than £9,000 for them alone.

Tricia added: “I made around £1,200 last year, which is a bit less than usual as I normally raise around £1,700.

“It started off when I made pickles and jams to fundraise to get a swimming pool in Chirk many years ago.

“We had a stall to do them at the Christmas Fair, carnival and different functions.

“That’s how it all started off, and it just escalated because people seemed to like them.

“I started making more to fundraise for Hope House Hospice, Nightingale House Hospice, the churches and district nurses for equipment.

“People would then come to me and suggest different charities, so I’d donate to them too.

“I wouldn’t always send to the same ones; it would be to different ones who could benefit from it – not long ago I donated to Wrexham Maelor Hospital for televisions in the children’s ward.”