A HARD working super woman has been congratulated for her efforts after making a difference in the community for more than 20 years. It all started for Carol Wheeler when she began helping in Llantarnam School.

Mrs Wheeler, aged 60 said: "I began helping to raise money for the school as I wanted to help out. I didn't see it as volunteering."

Mrs Wheeler, who has two children, Christopher, 38, and Emma, 28, has spent the last 17 years looking after her husband, Malcolm, 64, who suffers from schizophrenia.

She said: "When my husband goes to support groups I volunteer. As it is so productive it recharges my batteries as I have a passion for it. This is why I like community projects as I like to make things happen."

As well as numerous other projects, Mrs Wheeler instigated the development of a garden for use by the patients at Talygarn Hospital, Griffithstown, as a way to say thank you for them caring for her husband.

Mrs Wheeler lives in Cwmbran but her current efforts are with the Information Shop in Panteg.

Mrs Wheeler puts this down to Cllr Cynthia Beynon who she has known for many years. Mrs Wheeler explained that she was very down after having to step down from her position as chair of the Torfaen Carer's Branch, to take care of her mum who had dementia.

Mrs Wheeler said: "It was Cllr Beynon who approached me and said she would like me to become the organiser at the Information Shop because of my contacts in the area."

Cllr Beynon said: "I approached Carol to help me develop the Information Shop in my ward and she has been an inspiration to everyone who attends the shop.

"She has organised coffee mornings and afternoons, special information days for carers and well being days. The Information Shop would not be so successful if it wasn't for her enthusiasm."

Upon hearing of her Community Champion nomination, Mrs Wheeler added: "I am absolutely thrilled with my nomination. My volunteering is all about making a difference in the community."

Do you know a champ?

Our Community Champion feature celebrates those who do so much yet are so often taken for granted.

From the tireless charity worker and neighbourhood bobby, through to the dedicated nurse and popular postie - we want to highlight them all and we need your help. If you know a Community Champion and would like to see them featured in a forthcoming edition of the Free Press, please let us know.

You can drop us an email at pontypoolnews@freepressseries.co.uk or ring Hayley Mills or Jessica Gibb on 01495 751751