A dedicated volunteer who travels from the Kent coastline to run a youth club in New Addington has been nominated for a Croydon Champions award.

Pauline Bier has run the Champions Youth Club at the Timebridge Centre in Fieldway, for more than 13 years.

The youth club was originally aimed at those with hearing problems, but has since opened up to others with disabilities or anyone else who wants to go along.

Mrs Bier runs the club on Fridays and also does a number of other volunteer projects during the week including meals on wheels.

Despite living in Herne Bay, Kent, the 73-year-old makes the 120 mile round trip at least once a week.

Joe Bowan, who has been a member of the club since Mrs Bier started it said she deserved an award for all the hard work she has put in over the years.

He said he did not know where a lot of people would be without the club and said Mrs Bier means a lot to everyone who goes there.

Sally Rivers who runs the Timebridge Youth Centre, also nominated Mrs Bier and said she has always been prepared to give up her own time to help in any projects run by the centre.

She said: "Pauline is so resourceful and she has played a big role in the centre. She is one of those people who always has open arms and nobody is ever turned away from the club.

"Pauline really is a fantastic role model for young people and a great support for everyone involved."

Mrs Bier said she was "touched" after finding out she had been nominated for a Croydon Champions Award and said she has enjoyed being involved in the youth club.

The youth club leader used to teach in Croydon and live in Carshalton before moving to Herne Bay ten years ago.

She said: "Everyone at the centre is absolutely super. My satisfaction comes from seeing all the young people together having a good time.

"They have a place where they are comfortable and safe, no one is there being horrible to them."