A mother-of-six has been hailed as “positive, encouraging and committed” after being nominated for a Telegraph & Argus Community Stars award.

Ayesha Rehman has been put forward in three categories – Volunteer, Community Champion and Good Neighbour – as a result of her passion for the area of Bradford where she lives.

The 33-year-old, whose children are aged between one and 13, was nominated by Sheila Brett, of Bradford Council.

Mrs Brett said: “Apart from being a busy mother, she runs a messy play business and volunteers with local projects. She finds time for things that are important to her despite being a very busy woman. She is positive, encouraging and committed to where she lives.

“Ayesha has taken on the organisation of women’s markets in Attock Park from Bradford Moor PASS. This outlet provides local women with a platform to sell their goods to people through having a ‘market’ stall at a local event held on a regular basis.

“She also helped enormously in the planning and running of a successful fun day at Seymour Park in Bradford on August 14, helping provide a number of stalls and services for the day at little or no cost.”

Mrs Rehman, of Ellerton Street, Bradford, said: “I was gobsmacked and felt quite honoured and surprised actually. I don’t do what I do for recognition. I was really touched to be nominated. Thank you to Sheila for doing it.”

Mrs Rehman runs Messy Play Mobile Creche. Although it is a business, she said she was happy to let the community use it for free if they needed to.

She said: “Wherever I can help I do try to help, in schools or the community. I have always been into child care and did a nursery nurse course.”

Whenever there is a community meeting Mrs Rehman is there, sometimes offering her house as the meeting point. She speaks Urdu and Punjabi, as well as English, and acts as a translator for residents.

She is also planning a trip to a theme park, adding: “It is nothing big, but something for us to do, getting the neighbours back on track.”

Mrs Rehman singled out her husband Abdul for praise, saying: “It would be hard to do what I do without his support.”

The Community Stars campaign is organised by the Telegraph & Argus and Bradford Council. Categories include Good Neighbours, Volunteers, Fundraisers, Community Groups, Young Active Citizens and Community Champions. The closing date for nominations is Monday, and the winners will be announced at a ceremony at City Hall on December 4.