A dedicated volunteer has been nominated as charity volunteer for this year's Croydon Champions.

Gurpreet Kaur, from Thornton Heath, received the nomination in recognition of the time and devotion that she gives to charities in her local area.

A passionate environmentalist, she is constantly involved in protecting the environment in her local area and encouraging her friends and colleagues to do the same.

She has been commended by Croydon Council's Environmental department for her work. She was also named a Green Guardian Champion in 2008 by the Croydon Guardian.

She said: “I am originally from India where there isn't a lot. We are taught to save everything.

“When I came to London I was shocked by the amount of waste and lack of appreciation. This meant I tried to save as much as possible.”

Mrs Kaur is ready to help anyone in her community and is well known among residents.

She has dedicated numerous hours to the Hindu Sri Ganapathy Temple since 2002, helping run the Hindu community centre, and voluntarily nursing one of the priests for a number of weeks when he fell ill.

She set up free private English lessons for her neighbours who were struggling with the language and now tutors many of them. She has also signed up to become a special volunteer at the 2012 Olympics, assisting in first aid.

She said : “Volunteering has opened up so many opportunities for me, I have met so many people. I would urge everyone to get involved in some sort of volunteering. It gives you imminent satisfaction. Giving back to society, fulfilling our duty.”

Mr Vasan, who nominated her said: “She is always eager to help out and steps up when the need arises. She is a dedicated volunteer and compassionate humanitarian.

"She has shown determination to put her values and beliefs into action with a view to making a difference in the lives of individuals. She is admired for her valuable contribution.”