Four times a week for the last 11 years, Thelma Edge has gone to school.

Her star attendance has helped hundreds of youngsters and in the eyes of all members of staff, she is a very special person.

Mrs Edge is 78 and suffers from arthritis. Despite this, she works voluntarily in a class of seven and eight-year-old children at Monkwick Junior School, Colchester.

She hears all the children read and takes a genuine interest in their progress and well being.

With the aid of a stick, she walks the half-mile from her home to the school whatever the weather and, even though she is frequently in pain from the arthritis, she does not complain.

Now Mrs Edge has been nominated for a Colchester Community Award.

In a citation the school said: "All members of staff are aware of the valuable contribution made by this very special lady.

"There is no doubt she has benefitted hundreds of children and is continuing to do so even though she is frequently in pain."

As well as working at the school, Mrs Edge is an active member of St Barnabas Church, serving on the parochial church council and teaching at the Sunday School.

The mother of two, who also has two grandsons, was a supermarket manager.

"When I retired both my daughters told me not to vegetate, they said there were lots of things to do," she said.

Mrs Edge's husband, who died nine years ago, was an invalid and at first she did voluntary work at Essex County Hospital and then moved to the school doing just one afternoon a week.

"When my husband died it was marvellous to be at the school - I needed the children as much as they needed me.

"I do love being with children and I will continue for as long as I can keep going," she said.

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