A WOMAN who has counted hundreds of thousands of pennies for Rossendale Hospice was named the charity's woman of the year for 2006.

Barbara Hargreaves was crowned with the title at the hospice's annual ladies' lunch at Nino's restaurant in Bacup Road, Rawtenstall, applauded by the 184 people who attended.

The charity's special events committee had the tough decision of choosing between Barbara and her fellow finalists, Frances Whitehead and Trudie Ingham, as the title winner.

The trio were judged to be the most deserving out of all the Rossendale women nominated this year.

A hospice spokesperson said: "Barbara has been a volunteer with us for eight years, in which time she has come in every week and counted the pennies which are donated to us in penny boxes, often with the help of her husband Brian.

"Over the years she has counted thousands of pounds worth, her help has been invaluable."

Barbara, from Stacksteads, was presented with the award by last year's winner, Dymphna Pepper.

Friday's event, one of the hospice's major money-making occasions, raised £11,000 through ticket sales, a raffle and jewellery raffle, and donations.