A Dorchester resident who has worked tirelessly for more than a decade to raise awareness of domestic abuse has been chosen for a prestigious award.

Molly Rennie, who is also a town and district councillor, will receive her Community Champions Award later this year.

The award is part of the Rotary Champions of Change Awards and Molly was nominated by the Dorchester Casterbridge Rotary - quite unaware of what they were up to.

Molly has worked tirelessly in Dorchester for over 30 years and over the last decade her most influential role in the community has been to raise awareness of domestic abuse. 

She was nominated by Dorchester Casterbridge Rotary for her work with the victims of domestic abuse, which started with the Dorchester Women’s Refuge - which she chaired during its formative years and for which she has raised thousands of pounds.

Molly identified that victims of domestic abuse, both male and female, were poorly supported and set about doing something about it.

A spokesman for Dorchester Casterbridge Rotary said: "Molly has been truly inspirational in driving forward the campaign, firstly by ensuring that the refuge became a reality and then ensuring it has the funds to run and continue its excellent work. In recent times Molly has become proactive in obtaining materials to educate and support children and young people who have witnessed domestic abuse.

"Molly’s determination to raise the subject across the community has been paying off, with victims empowered to escape their situations, reflected by a refuge sadly always full. Molly has firmly established refuges, halfway houses, education programmes and community support networks for victims of domestic abuse.

"Molly is one of those people who really does go that extra mile; her commitment and dedication to the campaign against domestic abuse is truly inspirational."

Molly said she was caught "completely off guard" and had no idea she was being nominated.

She said: "This year the refuge has been open 20 years and I am just so amazed to have been chosen.

"It's been an honour to help changes people's lives for the better and to help change people's perception of domestic abuse."

Molly will receive her award at The 2017/18 Rotary Champions of Change Awards event which will take place at Cardiff City Hall in May 2018.