A SHOEBURY mum has been shortlisted for a regional Local Hero Award, because of her devotion to the community.

Karen Stock didn’t make it to the national finals of the Pride of Britain awards, but says she was “honoured” to have been recognised for her achievements.

Ms Stock, who is extended schools co-ordinator at Shoeburyness High School, was nominated for the accolade by her son, Thomas, and picked as one of four finalists from the Anglia region.

She said: “I was chuffed to bits.

It was lovely that Thomas had nominated me. I really feel passionate about the Shoebury community, and the wonderful team of people I work with at Shoebury High School, the students, and the community as a whole inspire me.

“You meet some lovely people along the way, and without all the people in the community that work on various projects and the volunteers, it wouldn’t be possible.”

Ms Stock was employed as the extended schools co-ordinator by the school’s former deputy head, the late Sue Murphy, who nominated her for an MBE for services to education before she died in 2009.

Her work has involved a range of projects, including a debating group, the relaunch of Shoebury Fair, and a job club for people looking for work.

She said: “I’m committed to building on the foundations of what we’re doing in Sue’s memory, because she was such a community-inspired lady. It’s a privilege to be part of the Shoebury community.”