A woman who dedicates her time to raising cash for orphans in Africa has been handed an award.

Heather Cook, 48, was named as Bradford and District Older People's Alliance (BOPA) first Volunteer of the Month, under a scheme started this year.

The 48-year-old, who has volunteered at the Mpika Relief Fund in Denholme for about four years, was handed her bouquet and certificate by Keith Nathan, BOPA secretary and the chief officer for Age Concern in Bradford and BOPA chairman Pam James.

Money raised by the charity shop goes straight to nine children housed at an orphanage in Northern Zambia.

Nominees have to be involved in a district-based older peoples' group and be a member of BOPA.

Members receive a monthly newsletter which includes a nomination slip.

BOPA's Julie Linton said: "The award shows how much everyone relies on volunteers and how much they do."

Every month florist Jack Hodgson on Bridge Street in Bradford will make up a complimentary bouquet for the winner.