A VOLUNTEER who has helped raise thousands of pounds for the Christian Aid charity in the Chepstow area has received a Diamond Award.

Margaret Coombes was presented with the award on Sunday evening at a special Christian Aid Evensong at St Tewdric’s Church in Mathern.

The group of churches in Chepstow and the surrounding area raised between £4,000 and £5,000 annually during Christian Aid week.

As Christian Aid marks 60 years of its annual fundraising drive, Christian Aid Week, the charity is celebrating the dedication of its supporters by awarding Diamond Awards across the UK.

Since 1987 the churches in Chepstow have raised more than £165,000 towards Christian Aid’s work.

Mrs Coombes, of Tidenham Parish near Chepstow, said: “This award was a complete surprise to me, and I am grateful to receive it.

“The work that is being done to help refugees in the world today is so important, and it is vital that we continue to do as much as we can to help.”

This May during Christian Aid Week the charity has many collections and events organised, including the famous house-to-house collection.

Cate Phillips, who nominated Mrs Coombes for the award, said: “Margaret has been a driving force behind the house-to-house collection in the Chepstow area for so many years, we can’t quite remember how long.

“She is a constant encouragement to us all and well deserving of this award.”