A campaigning pensioner has been hailed a "green hero" by a new transatlantic website for her tireless work in championing environmental causes.

Mother-of-three Irene Willis, 61, of the Parkway, Canvey, said it was "absolutely thrilling" to be included on the Green Seniors site, which profiles grey activists in the US and the UK trying to make a difference.

Ms Willis said: "One thing about being old is people expect you to sit at home knitting and watching TV. Quite a lot of us aren't like that.

"Old people are a valuable sector of the community and still do stuff. You can say I am an important member of society and my view still counts'."

Mrs Willis said she hoped the online network would grow rapidly and encourage other older people to become involved in saving their planet.

She said: "The older generation have skills we don't share enough with younger people.

"Once something like this starts you never know what will happen. It is so important for people to feel empowered and that they can do something."

The retired teacher has devoted the past two decades to fighting the increasing problems of climate change and protesting against nuclear weapons.

As a member of People Against Methane, she has strongly opposed moves by Calor Gas to store liquid natural gas on Canvey and is very optimistic the group will emerge triumphant.

The application was turned down by Castle Point Council in September last year, but could still go to appeal.

Her protests have, however, come at a price.

She has been arrested more than 20 times over the years and even spent one brief spell in prison, but it has not dented her determination to preserve the environment around her for future generations.

Ms Willis said: "We have to start changing how we think of ourselves in relation to the planet.

"I can't understand why people can't see the damage we are doing. We only have one earth and, if we destroy that, we destroy ourselves."