AN elderly woman who picks up rubbish whilst going round a Fenland village with her walking frame and her dog has been named Citizen of the Year.

Nellie Arber turned up to the Coates Village Show unaware that she had been chosen for the award and was thrilled and delighted when her name was called out.

Alan Ollenbittle, chairman of the show committee, said: “We decided to revive the Citizen of the Year award and had a few nominees but as soon as we remembered Nellie we just thought about her.

“Nellie was chosen as she has picked up rubbish every morning before most people are up and has done it without any thought.”

Handicrafts, photographs, flower arranging and cookery were all celebrated in the village show that was organised by the Friends of Holy Trinity and the Methodist Chapel.

John Watson won the best flowers and cookery awards, Mary Kitchen was handed the award for best handicraft, Grace Youart was the overall children’s Best in Show and Max the dog won best in show for his owners Ann and David Cross.

Anker of Coates, MT Cars, AB Texel UK and the Coates post office all sponsored the show to attract more children to the show with entertainment including Dave the Clown but the poor weather meant a bouncy castle had to be cancelled.