A KIND-hearted Stourport woman has made the finals of a national competition that recognises unsung heroes after winning the regional awards for Wyre Forest.

Elaine Ball, 62, was named as the district’s winner of The Gym Group’s Unsung Heroes of Sport and Fitness Awards last week, and will now enter the national finals.

The awards seek to recognise incredible individuals in the local community who have motivated women to enjoy the benefits of physical activity.

Ms Ball has not only launched fitness classes for women over 55, but delivers exercise sessions for elderly people with disabilities, and runs a wheelchair dance team and a theatre project.

She said: "I’m thrilled to have been nominated for this award and have been very fortunate in working with such committed and inspiring individuals.

"All these activities offer a great deal of fun and enjoyment as well as help improve attitudes towards those with a disability.

"It’s wonderful to see more people, especially women, engage with activities that keep them fit and healthy and I’m looking forward to working more closely with the local community over the next six months."

Ms Ball was nominated for the award by one of her exercise class members, Ann Sanders.

The 76-year-old said: "Elaine is truly passionate about keeping the community active in a way that is fun and keeps you coming back for more.

"She really cares about her clients, many of whom are women, and the confidence everyone has gained from her dedication to keeping us active is priceless."

Ms Ball launched her exercise class at Kidderminster Town Hall for women over 55 after she found a lack of fitness groups for older people while caring for her disabled father.

To provide sessions, she trained with the charity Extend to teach armchair aerobics, breathing exercises, balance and simple dance steps.

She has also gained a Level 2 instructor qualification from the UK wheelchair dance sport governing body, WDSA UK, to work with the wheelchair team.

Ms Ball, who has recently had a lung operation to help treat pulmonary fibrosis, will discover if she has been named as the winner of the national award later this week.