WINNIE Dean’s selfless attitude and long-standing volunteering history has earned her a Proud of Barnsley nomination.

Winnie, 83, of Grimethorpe, is dedicated to supporting her local community.

Amazingly, Winnie still volunteers at a Cudworth charity shop, saying: “As long as my legs are working, I’m working.”

After visiting the shop’s staff for hot drinks and regular chats, Winnie was approached for her kindness and commitment to begin volunteering.

Previously, she dedicated over four years to helping out her local community by volunteering for St Luke’s Church and their charity efforts.

Winnie isn’t afraid of getting stuck in to any job, large or small, to engage Grimethorpe.

Earlier in life, she was instrumental in organising street parties, galas and even orchestrating imaginative floats, much to the joy of local youngsters.

Previously, after being touched by cancer diagnoses of people close to her, Winnie has supported Macmillan Cancer Support.

However, supporting Hallamshire Hospital lies especially close to her heart.

After the devastation of being widowed in her 50s, Winnie became committed to supporting the hospital where her husband ??????? died - lovingly in his memory.

With three children, 12 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren, Winnie’s caring attitude extends to and beyond her family.

In his youth, Winnie’s son, John Dean, recalls his mum organising trips for all of the children on their street to visit Blackpool and see the lights.

John told the Chronicle: “She’s independent and always out and about.

“She’s proud of Grimey and the community - it’s a close village.

“Even though she’s 83, if anyone needed help she’d be there for them.”

Winnie’s granddaughter, Tia Dean, said: “She likes to go out and speak to people, to open and up and chat about their life.

“She offers her hand anywhere, if someone is chatting to her and is struggling with something, my nannan will help them.

“I think she’s really amazing.

“She’s been a single mum for as long as I’ve known her and she’s worked several jobs for her family.

“She’s still getting out there and helping.”

Since she can remember, Winnie has always been sociable and goes above and beyond to help others out.

She said: “I get on with anybody in Grimethorpe.

“I’ve got really good neighbours.

“If anybody needed help, I’d help them.”