A BARNSLEY champion of the arts has been nominated for a Volunteer of the Year Award for her work in the town.

Josie Whiteley, 52, from Mapplewell, worked closely with Barnsley College music lecturer Richard Tolson and helped set up arts charity EnRich following his death.

Josie, a former head of department at Barnsley College, also gives up her time to represent the arts nationally as the president of the Association of Managers in Education (AMiE) - a leadership section of the Association of Teachers and Lecturers.

To date EnRich has given small grants to support projects such as helping novice singers get their voices heard, right through to supporting a local poet in his 60s enter his work in national competitions.

Josie, a passionate support of the arts, said of making the shortlist: “It was an incredible surprise.

“It’s quite overwhelming and there are a lot of people who do good things in and around the town.

“To be one of three people is quite amazing. It’s just wonderful to be recognised. It’s like the town is saying thanks.

“People have taken EnRich to their hearts. People in the town have been great in helping us to raise money.”

As arts funding has been cut on a national scale, Josie feels her work with EnRich is important in helping to replace some of the provision which has been lost in Barnsley.

But the charity also has a dual purpose; to remember Richard Tolson who inspired creativity in the town: “He had an impact on a lot of peoples’ lives and lots of the students came forward and shared their memories after his death.

“We wanted to remember someone who was an influential person in the town. I think we do that.”