A SENIOR East Lancashire Labour politician has been named as a Coronation Champion for her voluntary work.

Blackburn with Darwen Council's finance boss Cllr Vicky McGurk will be invited to Windsor Castle for the Coronation Concert on May 7 headlined by Take That, Katy Perry and Lionel Richie.

She will also receive a specially-designed, official Coronation Champions pin and a certificate signed by King Charles III and Queen Consort Camilla.

Cllr McGurk has been recognised by Their Majesties in conjunction with Royal Voluntary Service. for her work with the Lancashire Army Cadets, the Department of Health’s social mobility network for Blackburn with Darwen and Blackburn Pride.

She is just one of 500 Coronation Champions from across the UK.

With the support of Queen Consort Camilla, President of Royal Voluntary Service, the Coronation Champions Awards were launched to recognise exceptional volunteers from across the country to coincide with King Charles III's coronation.

More than 5,000 nominations were received for people aged from 14 to 103.

Cllr McGurk, who represents Blackburn South East ward, said: “I understand I was nominated by local people and organisations for supporting the community, with welfare and benefit help, housing and wellbeing and other activities including Blackburn Pride, army cadets and as chair of the social mobility network.

"It’s great that someone from Blackburn has been recognised..

"Who ever thought a girl from Highercroft could be recognised in this way!

"I feel very honoured to have been nominated by local groups and local people.

"It’s means so much to know that people have put the time and effort in to recognise me.

"For lots of people the coronation will be a once in a lifetime event, and for efforts to be recognised and celebrated at such an important and national time is amazing.

"I’m very excited to go to Windsor and even more pleased that it shows anyone, from any background can make a difference and that small acts of kindness really do go a long way."

Catherine Johnstone, chief executive of Royal Voluntary Service said: “We were completely blown away by the response to the Community Champions Awards and the huge volume of amazing nominees put forward. Our judges had a tough job selecting just 500 Champions.

“Each of our Coronation Champions displayed a commitment and contribution that far exceeds any expectation and we’re overjoyed to honour and thank them during this exciting point in history.”