A DORCHESTER charity shop volunteer has been recognised for her selfless efforts.

Leslie Lillington's award is part of a double success for local charity Mid Dorset Mencap at the Dorset Volunteer awards.

Leslie, who supports people with learning disabilities to run the charity’s shop in High East Street in the county town was named Volunteer of the Year 2016 by Dorset’s Volunteer Centre.

To make the occasion even sweeter, the people who Leslie supports in the shop were amongst those named as Volunteer Group of the Year in the same awards.

Leslie, who lives in Dorchester, spent her working life caring for others and then opted out of retirement to volunteer her services in the shop.

The charity shop not only raises funds for Mid Dorset Mencap, but provides somewhere where local people with learning disabilities can learn new skills as well as meet with each other and the shop’s customers.

Leslie was presented with flowers and her certificate at a celebration dinner hosted by Mid Dorset Mencap at the Trumpet Major pub in Dorchester to thank its volunteers for all they do.

Tim Malins, chairman of Mid Dorset Mencap, said Leslie's recognition was well deserved.

He said: ‘"We are very proud of all our shop volunteers but without Leslie’s loyal support we would not be able to give our clients the chance to meet other people and learn new skills.

"I am so pleased that she has received the recognition she deserves."